“THE SCOREBOARD”
########################################################
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
THE GAMES TO WATCH IN WEEK 3
ZIONSVILLE AT WESTFIELD (INDIANA SRN FOX 59 NOW GAME OF THE WEEK)
CROWN POINT AT MERRILLVILLE
BROWNSBURG AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL
CENTER GROVE AR CARMEL
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN AT AVON
LAWRENCE NORTH AT LAWRENCE CENTRAL
DECATUR CENTRAL AT WHITELAND
NEW PALESTINE AT YORKTOWN
MOORESVILLE AT PLAINFIELD
BISHOP CHATARD AT RONCALLI
GREENWOOD AT INDIAN CREEK
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI VS. LAVILLE
EASTBROOK AT ALEXANDRIA
NORTH DECATUR AT MILAN
BLUFFTON AT SOUTH ADAMS
##################
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK THREE
THURSDAY
HAMMOND MORTON (1-1) AT UNITY CHRISTIAN (MICH.)
FRIDAY
ADAMS CENTRAL (1-1) AT TIPPECANOE VALLEY (2-0)
ANDERSON (0-2) AT DANVILLE (2-0)
ANDREAN (1-1) AT KANKAKEE VALLEY (0-2)
ANGOLA (1-1) AT FAIRFIELD (2-0)
BEDFORD NORTH LAWRENCE (1-1) AT JEFFERSONVILLE (1-1)
BEECH GROVE (2-0) AT SHELBYVILLE (2-0)
BELLMONT (0-2) AT COLUMBIA CITY (1-1)
BEN DAVIS (1-1) AT PIKE (0-2)
BENTON CENTRAL (0-2) VS. MANCHESTER (0-2)
BLUFFTON (2-0) AT SOUTH ADAMS (1-1)
REMEN (2-0) AT BOONE GROVE (1-1)
BROWN COUNTY (1-1) AT TRINITY LUTHERAN (1-1)
BROWNSBURG (2-0) AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL (1-1)
CALUMET (1-1) AT EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (0-2)
CARROLL (FLORA) (1-1) AT TAYLOR (0-2)
CASTON (2-0) AT NORTH MIAMI (1-1)
CENTER GROVE (1-1) AT CARMEL (1-1)
CENTERVILLE (1-1) AT EASTERN HANCOCK (2-0)
CENTRAL NOBLE (1-1) AT EASTSIDE (2-0)
CHARLESTOWN (1-1) AT MADISON (2-0)
CHURUBUSCO (0-2) AT FREMONT (2-0)
CLINTON CENTRAL (2-0) AT CLINTON PRAIRIE (2-0)
CLOVERDALE (1-1) AT OWEN VALLEY (2-0)
COLUMBUS NORTH (2-0) AT MARION (0-2)
CONCORD (1-1) AT WAWASEE (0-2)
CONNERSVILLE (1-1) AT GREENSBURG (1-1)
CROWN POINT (2-0) AT MERRILLVILLE (2-0)
CULVER (0-2) AT TRITON (0-2)
DELPHI (1-1) AT EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (2-0)
DELTA (0-2) AT NORTHEASTERN (1-1)
EAST CENTRAL (2-0) AT CINCINNATI ELDER (OHIO)
EAST NOBLE (2-0) AT HUNTINGTON NORTH (2-0)
EASTBROOK (1-1) AT ALEXANDRIA (1-1)
EASTERN (PEKIN) (0-2) AT JENNINGS COUNTY (1-1)
EDGEWOOD (1-1) AT SOUTH PUTNAM (2-0)
ELWOOD (1-1) AT BLACKFORD (0-2)
EVANSVILLE BOSSE (0-2) AT CASTLE (1-1)
EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (1-1) AT EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (2-0)
EVANSVILLE NORTH (0-2) AT EVANSVILLE HARRISON (0-2)
FAITH CHRISTIAN (1-1) AT NORTH NEWTON (0-2)
FLOYD CENTRAL (2-0) AT SILVER CREEK (1-1)
FOREST PARK (2-0) AT WASHINGTON (0-2)
FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (1-1) AT CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (1-1)
FORT WAYNE LUERS (0-2) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (0-2)
FORT WAYNE NORTHROP (0-1) AT FORT WAYNE NORTH (1-1)
FORT WAYNE SOUTH (1-1) AT HOMESTEAD (1-1)
FORT WAYNE WAYNE (0-2) AT FORT WAYNE DWENGER (2-0)
FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (0-2) AT RIVERTON PARKE (2-0)
FRANKFORT (0-2) AT GREENCASTLE (0-2)
FRANKLIN COUNTY (2-0) AT RUSHVILLE (0-2)
FRONTIER (0-2) AT NORTH WHITE (1-1)
GARRETT (0-2) AT WEST NOBLE (1-1)
GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (1-1) AT MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE) (1-1)
GREENWOOD (1-1) AT INDIAN CREEK (2-0)
GRIFFITH (2-0) AT LOWELL (1-1)
HAMILTON HEIGHTS (0-2) AT LOGANSPORT (2-0)
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (1-1) AT AVON (2-0)
HAMMOND CENTRAL (1-1) AT GARY WEST (1-0)
HERITAGE (2-0) AT WOODLAN (2-0)
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (0-2) AT GUERIN CATHOLIC (1-1)
HIGHLAND (1-1) AT HANOVER CENTRAL (2-0)
HOBART (2-0) AT MUNSTER (1-1)
INDIANAPOLIS ARSENAL TECH (0-2) AT SOUTHPORT (0-2)
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (0-2) AT CINCINNATI ST. XAVIER (OHIO)
INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD (2-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (1-1)
INDIANAPOLIS HOMESCHOOL AT CHRISTEL HOUSE (1-0)
INDIANAPOLIS RITTER (0-2) AT PROVIDENCE (0-2)
INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (0-2) AT BREBEUF JESUIT (1-1)
INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY (0-2) VS. PHALEN ACADEMY
INDIANAPOLIS WASHINGTON (2-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS SHORTRIDGE (1-1)
JASPER (1-1) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (2-0)
JIMTOWN (1-1) AT EDWARDSBURG (MICH.)
KNIGHTSTOWN (1-1) AT UNION COUNTY (1-1)
KNOX (0-2) AT CULVER ACADEMY (0-2)
LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (2-0) AT TIPTON (2-0)
LAFAYETTE JEFF (0-2) AT MCCUTCHEON (1-1)
LAKE CENTRAL (0-2) AT PORTAGE (0-2)
LAKE STATION (0-1) AT BOWMAN ACADEMY (0-1)
LAKELAND (0-2) AT PRAIRIE HEIGHTS (0-2)
LAPEL (2-0) AT SHENANDOAH (0-2)
LAPORTE (1-1) AT VALPARAISO (1-1)
LAWRENCE NORTH (1-1) AT LAWRENCE CENTRAL (1-1)
LEBANON (1-1) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (0-2)
LINTON (0-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (2-0)
MARTINSVILLE (0-2) AT BLOOMINGTON NORTH (1-1)
MICHIGAN CITY (0-2) AT CHESTERTON (1-1)
MISHAWAKA MARIAN (1-1) AT SOUTH BEND ADAMS (1-1)
MISSISSINEWA (1-1) AT FRANKTON (0-2)
MITCHELL (0-2) AT WEST WASHINGTON (1-1)
MOORESVILLE (2-0) AT PLAINFIELD (1-1)
MOUNT VERNON (POSEY) (0-2) AT GIBSON SOUTHERN (1-1)
MUNCIE CENTRAL (1-1) AT NEW CASTLE (1-1)
NEW ALBANY (1-1) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (2-0)
NEW HAVEN (0-2) AT DEKALB (2-0)
NEW PALESTINE (1-1) AT YORKTOWN (2-0)
NOBLESVILLE (1-1) AT FISHERS (0-2)
NORTH DAVIESS (2-0) AT EASTERN GREENE (1-1)
NORTH DECATUR (1-1) AT MILAN (1-1)
NORTH HARRISON (0-2) AT CORYDON CENTRAL (0-2)
NORTH JUDSON (2-0) AT SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (0-2)
NORTH KNOX (1-1) AT NORTH POSEY (2-0)
NORTH MONTGOMERY (1-1) AT SOUTHMONT (1-1)
NORTH PUTNAM (1-1) AT CASCADE (1-1)
NORTHFIELD (1-1) AT MACONAQUAH (2-0)
NORTHRIDGE (2-0) AT GOSHEN (1-1)
NORWELL (2-0) AT LEO (1-1)
OAK HILL (0-2) AT MADISON-GRANT (2-0)
PAOLI (1-1) AT SPRINGS VALLEY (1-1)
PARK TUDOR (1-1) AT NORTH CENTRAL (FARMERSBURG) (1-1)
PENDLETON HEIGHTS (2-0) AT KOKOMO (0-2)
PENN (2-0) AT SOUTH BEND RILEY (1-1)
PERRY CENTRAL (0-2) AT CRAWFORD COUNTY (0-2)
PERRY MERIDIAN (1-1) AT FRANKLIN (2-0)
PERU (1-1) AT LEWIS CASS (1-1)
PLYMOUTH (1-1) AT MISHAWAKA (1-1)
PRINCETON (1-1) AT HERITAGE HILLS (1-1)
PURDUE ENGLEWOOD (1-1) AT COVENANT CHRISTIAN (2-0)
RENSSELAER CENTRAL (2-0) AT JOHN GLENN (1-1)
RICHMOND (0-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS ATTUCKS (0-2)
SALEM (1-1) AT SCOTTSBURG (1-1)
SEEGER (1-1) AT ATTICA (1-1)
SEYMOUR (0-2) AT COLUMBUS EAST (0-2)
SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH (2-0) AT NEW PRAIRIE (0-2)
SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (0-2) AT ELKHART (1-1)
SOUTH DEARBORN (1-1) AT BATESVILLE (2-0)
SOUTH DECATUR (0-2) AT EDINBURGH (1-1)
SOUTH SPENCER (0-2) AT TECUMSEH (1-1)
SOUTH VERMILLION (1-1) AT PARKE HERITAGE (1-1)
SOUTHERN WELLS (1-1) AT JAY COUNTY (1-1)
SOUTHRIDGE (1-1) AT BOONVILLE (2-0)
SOUTHWOOD (0-2) AT NORTHWESTERN (1-1)
SULLIVAN (2-0) AT NORTHVIEW (2-0)
SWITZERLAND COUNTY (1-1) AT CLARKSVILLE (2-0)
TAYLOR (OHIO) AT LAWRENCEBURG (1-1)
TELL CITY (2-0) AT PIKE CENTRAL (0-2)
TERRE HAUTE NORTH (0-2) AT BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (2-0)
TERRE HAUTE SOUTH (1-1) AT HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (1-1)
TRI (1-1) AT CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN (0-2)
TRI-CENTRAL (0-2) AT SHERIDAN (0-2)
TRI-COUNTY (0-2) AT WEST CENTRAL (1-1)
TRITON CENTRAL (1-1) AT SPEEDWAY (2-0)
TRI-WEST (1-1) AT MONROVIA (1-1)
TWIN LAKES (2-0) AT WESTERN (0-2)
UNION CITY (0-2) AT HAGERSTOWN (2-0)
VINCENNES LINCOLN (1-1) AT WEST VIGO (0-2)
WARREN CENTRAL (2-0) AT NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (1-1)
WARSAW (2-0) AT NORTHWOOD (1-1)
WES-DEL (2-0) AT FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK (1-1)
WESTERN BOONE (0-2) AT CRAWFORDSVILLE (2-0)
WHEELER (2-0) AT RIVER FOREST (1-1)
WHITELAND (0-2) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (1-1)
WHITING (1-1) AT HAMMOND NOLL (1-1)
WHITKO (0-2) AT ROCHESTER (1-1)
WINAMAC (2-0) AT PIONEER (2-0)
WINCHESTER (0-2) AT MONROE CENTRAL (2-0)
ZIONSVILLE (2-0) AT WESTFIELD (2-0)
##############################################
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
WEDNESDAY SCORES: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/volleyball/scores/?date=9/2/2026
##############################################
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER
WEDNESDAY SCORES: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/scores/?date=9/2/2026
###############################################
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER
WEDNESDAY SCORES: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/soccer/girls/scores/?date=9/2/2026
###############################################
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
https://www.ihsaa.org/sports/boys/cross-country
################################################
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
https://www.ihsaa.org/sports/girls/cross-country
################################################
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS
https://www.ihsaa.org/sports/boys/tennis
###############################################
INDIANA GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL
WEDNESDAY SCORES: https://www.maxpreps.com/in/flag-football/girls/scores/?date=9/2/2026
###############################################
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD
DIAMONDBACKS 1, PHILLIES 0
REDS 7, PADRES 3
BRAVES 9, NATIONALS 0
BLUE JAYS 11, GUARDIANS 0
GIANTS 5, PIRATES 4 (10 INNINGS)
ASTROS 2, WHITE SOX 0
MARINERS 8, RED SOX 3
METS 10, RAYS 4
ATHLETICS 9, RANGERS 2
MARLINS 9, ROYALS 6
BREWERS 9, CUBS 5
TIGERS 11, TWINS 6 (12 INNINGS)
YANKEES 6, ANGELS 3 (10 INNINGS)
CARDINALS 8, DODGERS 6 (10 INNINGS)
#################################################
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD
TOLEDO 11 INDIANAPOLIS 2
LANSING 10 FT. WAYNE 1
SOUTH BEND 4 CEDAR RAPIDS 3
###############################################
WNBA SCOREBOARD
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
###############################################
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SCOREBOARD
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
###############################################
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 SCHEDULE/TV
WEEK 1
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3
UMASS AT RUTGERS | 6 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
BETHUNE-COOKMAN AT UCF | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
AKRON AT WAKE FOREST | 7 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
MERRIMACK AT DELAWARE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
WEST GEORGIA AT KENNESAW STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
UALBANY AT BUFFALO | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF AT MISSOURI | 8 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
COLORADO AT GEORGIA TECH | 8 P.M. | ESPN
EASTERN ILLINOIS AT MINNESOTA | 8 P.M. | PEACOCK
IDAHO AT UTAH | 9 P.M. | ESPNU
UAB AT ILLINOIS | 9 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
FRIDAY, SEPT. 3
SAN JOSE STATE AT EASTERN MICHIGAN | 6:30 P.M. | ESPN+
INDIANA STATE AT PURDUE | 7 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
NORTH CAROLINA A&T AT GEORGIA STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
UTEP AT OKLAHOMA | 8 P.M. | SECN+
LIU AT KANSAS | 8 P.M. | ESPNU
TOLEDO AT MICHIGAN STATE | 8 P.M. | FS1
MIAMI (FLA.) AT STANFORD | 9 P.M. | ESPN
FRESNO STATE AT USC | 9 P.M. | FOX
SATURDAY, SEPT. 4
EAST CAROLINA AT ALABAMA | 12 P.M. | ABC
OREGON STATE AT HOUSTON | 12 P.M. | ESPN
COASTAL CAROLINA AT WEST VIRGINIA | 12 P.M. | TNT/HBO MAX
NEW HAMPSHIRE AT SYRACUSE | 12 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
NORTH TEXAS AT INDIANA | 12 P.M. | FOX
OHIO AT NEBRASKA | 12 P.M. | FS1
BRYANT AT ARMY | 12 P.M. | CBSSN
TARLETON STATE AT BOWLING GREEN | 12 P.M. | ESPN+
LIBERTY AT JAMES MADISON | 12 P.M. | ESPNU
MIAMI (OHIO) AT PITT | 12:30 P.M. | ESPN UNLIMITED AND THE CW NETWORK
BALL STATE AT OHIO STATE | 12:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
KENT STATE AT SOUTH CAROLINA | 12:45 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
YOUNGSTOWN STATE AT KENTUCKY | 1 P.M. | SECN+
SE MISSOURI STATE AT IOWA STATE | 1 P.M. | ESPN+
DUQUESNE AT AIR FORCE | 1 P.M. | MW+
RHODE ISLAND AT TEMPLE | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
TENNESSEE STATE AT GEORGIA | 3 P.M. | SECN+
AUBURN VS. BAYLOR (MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM IN ATLANTA) | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
FURMAN AT TENNESSEE | 3:30 P.M. | SECN+
TEXAS STATE AT TEXAS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
BOSTON COLLEGE AT CINCINNATI | 3:30 P.M. | FOX
TULANE AT DUKE | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
BOISE STATE AT OREGON | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
MARSHALL AT PENN STATE | 3:30 P.M. | FS1
THE CITADEL AT CHARLOTTE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
TOWSON AT NAVY | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN
UT RIO GRANDE VALLEY AT UTSA | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
FORDHAM AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN UNLIMITED AND THE CW NETWORK
MAINE AT APP STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
OKLAHOMA STATE AT TULSA | 3:45 P.M. | ESPNU
NORTH ALABAMA AT ARKANSAS | 4:15 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
NORTHERN ILLINOIS AT IOWA | 4:15 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
ALCORN STATE AT SOUTHERN MISS | 5 P.M. | ESPN+
WYOMING AT COLORADO STATE | 6 P.M. | USA NETWORK
NORFOLK STATE AT OLD DOMINION | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
MISSOURI STATE AT TEXAS A&M | 7 P.M. | ESPN
AUSTIN PEAY AT VANDERBILT | 7 P.M. | SECN+
ABILENE CHRISTIAN AT TEXAS TECH | 7 P.M. | FS1
NICHOLLS AT KANSAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
IDAHO STATE AT UTAH STATE | 7 P.M. | CBSSN
ARKANSAS STATE AT MEMPHIS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
HOUSTON CHRISTIAN AT RICE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AT SOUTH FLORIDA | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
MURRAY STATE AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
EASTERN KENTUCKY AT JACKSONVILLE STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SE LOUISIANA AT SOUTH ALABAMA | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SAM HOUSTON AT TROY | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
CLEMSON AT LSU | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
UL MONROE AT MISSISSIPPI STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPNU
VMI AT VIRGINIA TECH | 7:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
WESTERN MICHIGAN AT MICHIGAN | 7:30 P.M. | NBC
NORTHWESTERN STATE AT LOUISIANA TECH | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT FLORIDA | 7:45 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
UTAH TECH AT BYU | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
HAMPTON AT MARYLAND | 8 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE AT NORTHWESTERN | 8 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
LAMAR AT LOUISIANA | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
MORGAN STATE AT ARIZONA STATE | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
MERCYHURST AT NEW MEXICO STATE | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
NORTHERN ARIZONA AT ARIZONA | 9:30 P.M. | ESPN+
PORTLAND STATE AT SAN DIEGO STATE | 9:30 P.M. | USA NETWORK
UNLV AT HAWAI’I | 10 P.M. | ESPN UNLIMITED AND THE CW NETWORK
CENTRAL MICHIGAN AT NEW MEXICO | 10 P.M. | FS1
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE AT SACRAMENTO STATE | 10 P.M. | ESPN+
UCLA AT CAL | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN
WESTERN KENTUCKY AT NEVADA | 10:30 P.M. | CBSSN
SUNDAY, SEPT. 6
TEXAS SOUTHERN AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M | 12 P.M. | ESPN2
FLORIDA A&M VS. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (HARD ROCK STADIUM IN MIAMI GARDENS, FLA.) | 3 P.M. | ESPN
WASHINGTON STATE AT WASHINGTON | 4 P.M. | NBC
OLE MISS VS. LOUISVILLE (NISSAN STADIUM IN NASHVILLE, TENN.) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
NOTRE DAME VS. WISCONSIN (LAMBEAU FIELD IN GREEN BAY, WIS.) | 7:30 P.M. | NBC
MONDAY, SEPT. 7
SMU AT FLORIDA STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
##################################################
NFL WEEK 1 SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
PATRIOTS @ SEAHAWKS 8:20 PM NBC / PEACOCK LUMEN FIELD, SEATTLE
#############
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
49ERS @ RAMS 8:35 PM NETFLIX MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
#############
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
BEARS @ PANTHERS 1:00 PM FOX BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM, CHARLOTTE
BUCCANEERS @ BENGALS 1:00 PM FOX PAYCOR STADIUM, CINCINNATI
SAINTS @ LIONS 1:00 PM FOX FORD FIELD, DETROIT
FALCONS @ STEELERS 1:00 PM FOX ACRISURE STADIUM, PITTSBURGH
BILLS @ TEXANS 1:00 PM CBS NRG STADIUM, HOUSTON
RAVENS @ COLTS 1:00 PM CBS LUCAS OIL STADIUM, INDIANAPOLIS
BROWNS @ JAGUARS 1:00 PM CBS EVERBANK STADIUM, JACKSONVILLE
JETS @ TITANS 1:00 PM CBS NISSAN STADIUM, NASHVILLE
DOLPHINS @ RAIDERS 4:25 PM FOX ALLEGIANT STADIUM, LAS VEGAS
COMMANDERS @ EAGLES 4:25 PM FOX LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD, PHILADELPHIA
CARDINALS @ CHARGERS 4:25 PM CBS SOFI STADIUM, INGLEWOOD
PACKERS @ VIKINGS 4:25 PM CBS U.S. BANK STADIUM, MINNEAPOLIS
COWBOYS @ GIANTS 8:20 PM NBC / PEACOCK METLIFE STADIUM, EAST RUTHERFORD
##############
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
BRONCOS @ CHIEFS 8:15 PM ESPN / ABC GEHA FIELD AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM, KANSAS CITY
##################################################
2026 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SCHEDULE
WEEK DATE OPPONENT TV / TIME (ET)
WEEK 1 THU, AUG 13 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS LOCAL (7:30 PM)
WEEK 2 SAT, AUG 22 VS. ATLANTA FALCONS LOCAL (1:00 PM)
WEEK 3 SAT, AUG 29 VS. DETROIT LIONS LOCAL (1:00 PM)
####################################################
2026 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
WEEK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET) TV / STREAMING
1 SUN, SEPT 13 VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS 1:00 PM CBS
2 SUN, SEPT 20 @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 8:20 PM NBC
3 SUN, SEPT 27 VS. HOUSTON TEXANS 1:00 PM CBS
4 SUN, OCT 4 @ WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 9:30 AM NFL NET
5 SUN, OCT 11 @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1:00 PM CBS
6 SUN, OCT 18 VS. TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM FOX
7 SUN, OCT 25 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS 1:00 PM CBS
8 SUN, NOV 1 @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 1:00 PM CBS
9 SUN, NOV 8 VS. DALLAS COWBOYS 1:00 PM FOX
10 SUN, NOV 15 VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS 1:00 PM CBS
11 THU, NOV 19 @ HOUSTON TEXANS 8:15 PM PRIME VIDEO
12 SUN, NOV 29 VS. NEW YORK GIANTS 1:00 PM FOX
13 BYE WEEK
14 SUN, DEC 13 @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 1:00 PM FOX
15 SUN, DEC 20 @ TENNESSEE TITANS 1:00 PM CBS
16 TBD – FLEX VS. CINCINNATI BENGALS TBD TBD
17 SUN, JAN 3 @ CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:00 PM FOX
18 TBD – FLEX GAME VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS TBD TBD
#######################################################
TOP NATIONAL SPORTS HEADLINES
NFL NEWS
RAIDERS NAME KIRK COUSINS STARTING QB TO BEGIN 2026 SEASON; TOP PICK FERNANDO MENDOZA BACKUP
Presumed throughout the offseason, Kirk Cousins will now officially be the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders to open the 2026 season.
Cousins, who got the nod over the 2026 NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell, will begin his tenure as Raiders starter against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13, rookie head coach Klint Kubiak announced on Wednesday.
“He played really good football,” Kubiak said, per the team’s official website. “I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp and he’s earned it.”
Mendoza, following a Heisman-winning season in which he led Indiana on an undefeated national title run, was a lock as Las Vegas’ No. 1 pick throughout the draft process. However, Kubiak had previously stated that his preference was for a veteran to begin the season as the starter. That veteran is Cousins, who will be a Week 1 starter for now a fourth franchise in his career (Washington, Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons, previously).
The 38-year-old will lead a Raiders squad that went 3-14 last season and still features massive question marks on its offensive line and wide receiver corps. Conceivably, Cousins can shepherd a new-look offense through its growing pains before Mendoza is given the reins. Las Vegas doesn’t have its bye until Week 13, nor do the Raiders currently have a Thursday or Monday game on the schedule, so it’s anyone’s guess as to when that could happen.
When asked Wednesday if there is any expectation for Mendoza to play this season, Kubiak said, “Let’s work to Miami first.”
#################
COWBOYS’ STEPHEN JONES ON PICKENS, LAMB: NOT SURE ANY TEAM CAN PAY TWO WRS AT TOP OF MARKET
The Dallas Cowboys are putting off the question about paying both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens until after the 2026 season. However, it’s a looming cloud over the current optimism surrounding Dallas.
The Cowboys have chosen a win-now approach and will deal with the rest later. Executive vice president Stephen Jones verbalized the salary cap obstacles that the organization faces next offseason during an interview on the DLLS Cowboys podcast.
“I don’t know of any teams that really can pay two top receivers top of the market, so that’s gonna be a real difficult situation as we move forward,” he said. “We’ve managed to figure out how we can do it for this year. If everything works out the way we think it is, [in] which CeeDee and George both have huge years again, then it’ll be a bigger challenge next year.”
Almost immediately after franchise tagging Pickens this offseason, the Cowboys made it known that they had no plans to seek out a long-term solution with the wide receiver in 2026. The club preferred Pickens prove he can walk the straight and narrow yet again before that discussion kicks into high gear in 2027. To his credit, the 25-year-old receiver, coming off a 1,429-yard, nine-touchdown campaign, hasn’t made a fuss about the team’s plans.
“George is really wanting to put back-to-back years on top of one another so it’ll help his market,” Jones said. “And certainly, I know at some point — as does every player in this league — will want to be rewarded with a long-term contract. So that certainly puts pressure on us to have a unique situation there at wide receiver.”
There are some instances with teams paying two receivers. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins come to mind. A.J. Brownand DeVonta Smith just were broken up in Philly. However, it’s far from the norm and takes some juggling.
Pickens’ $27.298 million franchise tag figure for this season places him 19th among WRs. Lamb, who has three years left on his contract, is sixth at $34 million. There could be ways to structure a new deal for Pickens that would allow the Cowboys to make things work in the short term — big-money deals always lower the immediate salary cap charge. However, Dallas has shown no interest at this stage of paying two WRs top-10 money.
The decision to table talks with Pickens has pushed the urgency of this discussion into next season. In the meantime, the Cowboys hope to benefit and finally make a deep playoff push that has eluded the club for three decades.
“Christian Parker will tell you, who went against us twice a year, what a challenge that it was for the Eagles when they played us, and he was on the defensive side of the ball trying to defend Dak (Prescott) and those two receivers,” Jones said, “not to mention our running game and (Jake) Ferguson and (Ryan) Flournoy and that situation.”
##############
RYAN POLES: ‘I DON’T KNOW’ IF CB KYLER GORDON WILL PLAY FOR BEARS AGAIN
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles didn’t sound very optimistic on Tuesday about cornerback Kyler Gordon’s future with the club.
Gordon remains on the physically unable to perform list to start the season, wiping out at least the first four games of the campaign. The corner continues to deal with a calf injury that has lingered throughout the offseason. The team, including coach Ben Johnson, has voiced frustration about the corner’s inability to get and stay healthy.
Poles is unsure of Gordon’s current timeline. He was asked Tuesday if he believed the DB would play for the Bears again.
“I don’t know. I would hope so,” he said, via the team’s official transcript. “I still have hope there. He’s going to have to continue to work hard and get back to playing football again.”
That’s not exactly an encouraging response.
Poles couldn’t or wouldn’t expound on Gordon’s future or timeline.
“I really can’t. I think when people come back from injuries, there are different things that happen,” he said. “Sometimes they return fast. Sometimes it’s slow. It’s really a timing thing and a healing thing and a confidence thing. I really don’t. I wish I did, but we’ll see.”
The Bears signed Gordon to a three-year, $40 million contract extension last offseason. For that payday, they got three regular-season games played around two separate stints on injured reserve. The veteran was able to play in both of the Bears’ playoff games, providing optimism that he might be past the injury issues. However, this offseason has been one delay after another.
“I think anytime you have an injury, and again, I’m not going to get all into the details of this, I wish I had more for you all. Anytime you have an injury and you’re coming back from something there’s discomfort that you have to push through. That’s what it comes down to,” Poles said. “We haven’t been able to get over that hump, and we’re not progressing as fast as we would like. That’s really all I have to say about that.”
Fourth-round rookie Malik Muhammad figures to see an increased role until Gordon returns. If that ever happens.
###############
VETERAN PASS RUSHER KYLE VAN NOY JOINS VIKINGS
There’s a Foxborough feel in the Twin Cities.
Veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy has signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, the team announced on Wednesday.
The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero first reported the news. Pelissero reported that Van Noy will ramp on while on the team’s practice squad before joining the active roster.
The one-time Pro Bowler had a visit with the squad on Tuesday, per the league transaction wire.
Van Noy is reuniting with Brian Flores, the Vikings defensive coordinator who was a defensive assistant during Van Noy’s first three seasons with the New England Patriots from 2016-18. They were part of two Patriots Super Bowl-winning teams during their time together.
Van Noy also spent the 2020 season with the Miami Dolphins, who were coached by Flores.
In his career, Van Noy has played for the Detroit Lions, Patriots, Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens. All told, he’s played 173 games over 12 years, logging 57 sacks.
Van Noy, 35, is coming off a three-year stint with the Ravens. Last season, he tallied just two sacks in 15 games with Baltimore. A year earlier, though, he earned his only Pro Bowl selection with a career-high 12.5 sacks.
The pass rusher, provided he’s got a semblance of his 2024 form left in the tank, should be a fine and familiar fit for Flores’ aggressive defense.
#################
NFL NETWORK: GEORGE KITTLE, NICK BOSA TRAVELING WITH 49ERS TO AUSTRALIA AHEAD OF RAMS OPENER
The San Francisco 49ers received positive news as they embark on their flight to Australia for their matchup against the Los Angeles Rams next week.
Both George Kittle and Nick Bosa are expected to make the lengthy trip, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday.
Kittle is of particular interest, as both the tight end and club have said they’d prefer he not make the long flight to the Land Down Under if he wasn’t going to play. Getting on the plane a week before the contest guarantees nothing — and the Niners will have to see how his body responds — but it’s a step in the right direction.
Kittle suffered an Achilles tear during the 49ers’ wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 11. The TE being ready less than eight months later is an impressive rehab turnaround, particularly for a 32-year-old. Kittle has had a couple of positive practice sessions leading up to the travel date.
Bosa missed most of the 2025 season due to an ACL tear. The pass rusher has been dealing with tendinitis in the surgically repaired knee this summer, but general manager John Lynch said this week that the club hoped to have him on the practice field on Wednesday. Bosa making the trip as he ramps up work keeps his availability alive for the season opener.
The 49ers and Rams kick off in Melbourne on Sept. 10 at 8:35 p.m. ET.
##############
JORDYN BROOKS ON DOLPHINS EMBRACING UNDERDOG MENTALITY: ‘I DON’T THINK WE HAVE A CHOICE’
Miami Dolphins players might have the most difficult task ahead of the 2026 NFL season: Convince themselves they have a shot when the rest of the world has already buried them.
With preseason predictions coming from every angle at this part of the calendar, few, if any, will provide Miami players with much optimism on how the campaign might go. The Dolphins, in a full-on rebuild, are expected to be at the bottom of the league in 2026.
Given the physicality of the job, however, players can’t get caught up in that talk. In the void of optimism that most clubs share at this stage, Dolphins leaders like linebacker Jordyn Brooks are leaning into the underdog mentality.
“I don’t think we have a choice, honestly,” Brooks said, via the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “I don’t think there’s one outlet, social media, anyone that’s got us picked to win anything. Not that it matters, but it’s just what it is. I don’t think any of our opponents respect us. So, 100% underdog mindset. And I think that’s always the best position to be in. So we’re going to carry that mindset into the season, have that ‘us against the world’ mentality and do our best to win football games.”
The Dolphins’ overhaul, which included eating roughly $181.6 million in dead cap space, was highlighted by their acquisition of seven players off waivers on Monday. Miami taking on a significant number of employees who couldn’t make other rosters underscores the club’s state.
The optics around the Dolphins could make life difficult for first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, who will have to break through the negative chatter if it leaks into the locker room. Brooks noted that the coach’s philosophy and approach to the game will make it easier, particularly with a roster that might be outmatched week to week.
“To me, physicality is a choice. It takes no talent,” Brooks said. “It’s just a decision that one man has to make on whether he wants to be physical or not. It’s a mindset that we’re trying to bleed into this team on a consistent basis.”
Added Brooks: “That’s what we’re in the process of doing, being the most physical and toughest team in the league.”
The question is whether physicality and toughness can overcome the talent disparity to help the Dolphins win more than a handful of games in 2026.
##############
CHIEFS QB PATRICK MAHOMES APPEARS ON TRACK TO START WEEK 1 AGAINST THE DENVER BRONCOS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes appears on track to start for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.
The two-time MVP has stated ever since he underwent surgery in December to repair torn ligaments in his left knee that his goal was to be on the field when the season begins.
And while doctors initially cautioned Mahomes that it could be October before he was ready to play, the quarterback surged past all expectations in his rehab, working with the first team throughout training camp.
Mahomes did not play in any preseason games. But that was always by design.
“He’s going to keep practicing just like he’s been doing,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday, after their first practice following roster cuts. “These are more like practice here, a lot of one-versus-one play these next couple of days. That’s a good thing.”
The Chiefs will practice again Thursday before a long weekend, then resume work Monday. After that, they’ll be into their game-week schedule, pointed toward a Monday night showdown between two of the favorites to win the AFC West this season.
One question looming over Mahomes’ return: Will not playing in a preseason game affect his performance? The only other time he has gone an entire preseason without a game snap came during the pandemic, when all of the exhibition games were canceled.
“Me and Pat, we’ve kind of been working this offseason, the timing and stuff you need to work on,” Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy said, when asked about the rapport with his quarterback. “I feel like when it’s time to play, we’ll all be ready.”
Worthy always thought Mahomes would be ready for the start of the season. In fact, he returned to Kansas City early this summer to work out with Mahomes, who was spending his days rehabbing his knee while watching World Cup games on TV.
“His will and want-to is beyond anything I’ve ever seen,” Worthy said. “He kind of leads the team in that way. You have your leader leading like that and guys fall behind. He’s just a ‘will’ guy, always willing to work.”
Exactly who is protecting Mahomes should he play Week 1 is another question mark.
Left tackle Josh Simmons remained out of practice Wednesday with a lingering back injury, forcing Kansas City to shuffle the offensive line. Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson has been moving around in his absence, while Jaylon Moore has also gotten first-team reps.
Perhaps wary of the injury woes up front — guard Trey Smith has been dealing with a hip injury — the Chiefs made a couple of moves to build their depth in recent days. They sent a conditional sixth-round pick to Baltimore for undrafted rookie Diego Pounds, and they acquired Joshua Ezeudu from the Giants for a seventh-round selection.
“It’s just a matter of them getting adjusted to everything, from the snap count to the plays to the calls to the pass protection,” Reid said. “It was great to get them in there. There were a couple of hiccups in there but for the most part they did a great job.”
#############
TITANS CHASE A MEMORABLE FAREWELL AT NISSAN STADIUM AFTER 4 STRAIGHT LOSING SEASONS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — TENNESSEE TITANS (3-14)
Expectations
The Tennessee Titans want to make their final season at old Nissan Stadium memorable. Ending a skid of four consecutive losing seasons would be the first step in that direction. They have yet their third set of coaches in four seasons with this staff loaded with experience. Robert Saleh brought former Giants coach Brian Daboll in as offensive coordinator and Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator. For the second time in three years, Tennessee spent more than anyone else in the NFL loading up on free agents. The Titans worked this offseason to build around quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, on offense and All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on defense. Tennessee signed Simmons to an extension making him the NFL’s highest-paid tackle at the time, then made left guard Peter Skoronski an extension the highest-paid guard in August. Skoronski’s deal is a sign the Titans drafted someone worth signing to a second contract whiffing on three consecutive draft classes between 2020 and 2022. This will be the final season in a stadium that opened with the 1999 season when the Titans made their only Super Bowl appearance. They move into the new Nissan Stadium next door for the 2027 season.
New faces
Saleh, Daboll, Bradley, WR Wan’Dale Robinson, CB Alontae Taylor, CB Cor’Dale Flott, WR Carnell Tate, C Austin Schlottman, DL Keldric Faulk, DE Jeremiah Johnson II, DT John Franklin-Myers, DT Solomon Thomas, QB Mitch Trubisky, P Tommy Townsend, CB Joshua Williams, DE Jacob Martin, TE Daniel Bellinger, OL Cordell Volson, QB Hendon Hooker and DE Earnest Brown IV.
Key losses
TE Chig Okonkwo, DT T’Vondre Sweat, CB L’Jarius Sneed, C Lloyd Cushenberry, RG Kevin Zeitler, P Johnny Hekker, S Mike Brown, S Xavier Woods.
Strengths
Saleh will be calling the defensive plays, which he didn’t do when coaching the Jets. He also has a defensive line led by Simmons coming off a career-high 11 sacks, and Franklin-Myers was signed to play beside Simmons to keep offenses from double-teaming the Titans captain. Johnson is in a contract year going into his second season removed from a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. Johnson is targeting a double-digit sack season to prove he was worth the first-round pick that brought him into the NFL. Saleh wants to rotate the linemen to keep them fresher so they can pressure quarterbacks.
Weaknesses
The offensive line is a big reason why Ward was sacked 55 times as a rookie, tied with Geno Smith for most in the NFL. The Titans released Cushenberry in February and let Zeitler leave in free agency. They need left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to settle in better, while some critics are ready to move JC Latham, a first-round pick in 2024, from right tackle inside to guard.
A pair of rookies led the receivers in catches and touchdowns in 2025, which made giving Ward more help a big focus this offseason. Calvin Ridley is back after reworking his contract following a season when injuries limited him to seven games. It’s why the Titans signed Robinson with a four-year deal worth up to $78 million, then used the fourth overall pick to draft Tate out of Ohio State.
Camp development
Rookie Fernando Carmona Jr., a fifth-round pick out of Arkansas, has played his way into one of the two starting jobs the Titans had open on the offensive line. The Titans let Zeitler leave as a free agent and signed Volson in free agency to compete with Jackson Slater, a fifth-round pick in 2025. But Carmona plays with a bit of a nasty edge and has quickly proven he can open holes in the run game. The rookie also has impressed coaches with his ability to communicate with Schlottman and Latham on either side.
Fantasy player to watch
Ward. How he fares in his latest new offense with help from Tate and Robinson will decide whether the Titans snap their skid of losing seasons. Ward finished his rookie season throwing 10 TD passes with only one interception over his final nine starts. He became the first rookie in franchise history to throw for more than 3,000 yards, finishing with 3,169 yards. He set the franchise record with a 1.3% interception rate, improving on Ryan Tannehill’s mark of 1.5 set in 2020.
############
NEW COACH KEVIN STEFANSKI IS LOOKING TO END FALCONS’ 8-YEAR STREAK OF LOSING SEASONS
ATLANTA FALCONS (8-9)
Expectations
Two jarring losses on defense will complicate the Atlanta Falcons’ hopes of ending a streak of eight consecutive losing seasons.
Linebacker and edge rusher Jalon Walker, a first-round draft pick in 2025, was carted off the field with a season-ending ACL injury to his left knee on Aug. 4. Only 10 days later, Atlanta’s other 2025 first-round draft pick, edge rusher James Pearce Jr., was suspended for the first eight games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy following his February arrest for a domestic dispute in Florida.
First-year coach Kevin Stefanski was already faced with finding a starting quarterback as Michael Penix Jr. continued his recovery from a season-ending knee injury. The Falcons gave Tua Tagovailoa a one-year contract following a rocky finish to his six seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Tagovailoa was unable to establish himself as the clear starter while Penix awaited full medical clearance.
The Falcons will lean on such foundation players as running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, who all have new contracts.
New faces
Tagovailoa, DE Za’Darius Smith, TE Austin Hooper, WR Jahan Dotson, QB Cooper Rush, WR Zachariah Branch, RT Jawaan Taylor, OT Wanya Morris, RB Brian Robinson Jr., RB Tyler Goodson, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, LB Christian Harris, DT Da’Shawn Hand, LB Kendal Daniels, LB Harold Perkins Jr., DE Samson Ebukan, DT Carlos Allen Jr., QB Jack Strand, K Nick Folk, P Jake Bailey.
Key losses
QB Kirk Cousins, RB Tyler Allgeier, WR Darnell Mooney, LB Kaden Elliss, DT David Onyemata, DE Arnold Ebiketie, WR KhaDarel Hodge.
Strengths
Dual-threat running back Bijan Robinson is the heart of the offense and is the face of the franchise. The position looks deep with Brian Robinson the likely top backup. Atlanta’s offensive line is a strength with established starters such as right guard Chris Lindstrom, left tackle Jake Matthews and left guard Matthew Bergeron. London and Pitts provide big receiving targets. Safeties Jessie Bates III and Xavier Watts and cornerback A.J. Terrell lead the defense.
Weaknesses
Tagovailoa set a career high with 15 interceptions for Miami before he was benched for the final three games last season. He did not immediately show in training camp he is ready to rebound. In 14 career games over two seasons, Penix has thrown 12 TD passes with six interceptions. Walker’s season-ending injury and Pearce’s suspension leave huge holes on a defense after they helped fix a chronic pass-rush problem last season.
Camp development
Undrafted rookie Jack Strand and Cooper Rush have had an interesting battle for the No. 3 job at quarterback. The competition takes on greater importance as Penix continues his comeback from knee surgery and Tagovailoa has been slow to show he can return to his peak form.
Fantasy player to watch
Bijan Robinson was signed to a three-year contract extension early in training camp. He led the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 TDs last season. His dual-threat production makes him a fantasy star. Robinson was fourth in the league with 1,478 rushing yards while adding 820 receiving yards. Steven Jackson in 2006 is the only other player in NFL history to produce at least 1,400 rushing yards and 800 receiving yards in the same season. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked Robinson the league’s top running back in a preseason survey.
##############
THE 49ERS HOPE BETTER HEALTH AND AGING STARS CAN GET THEM INTO CONTENTION IN TOUGH NFC WEST
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (13-6)
Expectations
The 49ers won 12 games in the 2025 regular season and beat Philadelphia in the wild-card round despite a string of injuries that sidelined stars such as Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and George Kittle for significant portions of the season. Warner is back healthy and the team is expecting both Bosa and Kittle back early in the season, if not for the opener, giving San Francisco high hopes for 2026. Despite the strong record, there was a gap between the Niners and the top two teams in the NFC West with San Francisco getting outscored by 61 points in their final three games against Seattle and the Los Angeles Rams, including a 41-6 loss to the Seahawks in the playoffs. The team is hoping better health can help close that divide but there have been several injuries in training camp already, including a season-ending knee injury for receiver Ricky Pearsall. The team still features one of the best play-calling head coaches in Kyle Shanahan and a star-studded roster featuring running back Christian McCaffrey, left tackle Trent Williams, quarterback Brock Purdy, Warner, Bosa and Kittle. That core could be enough to get back to the playoffs but the Niners likely will need some young stars to emerge if they want to make a Super Bowl run.
New faces
WR Mike Evans, DT Osa Odighizuwa, WR Deebo Samuel, WR De’Zhaun Stribling, LB Dre Greenlaw, OL Carver Willis, RB Kaelon Black, LB Jaden Dugger, CB Jack Jones, DT Gracen Halton, DE Romello Height, CB Nate Hobbs, OL Vederian Lowe, WR Christian Kirk, DC Raheem Morris.
Key losses
WR Jauan Jennings, WR Skyy Moore, LB Dee Winters, WR Kendrick Bourne, DE Bryce Huff, DB Jason Pinnock, RB Brian Robinson, OL Spencer Burford, P Thomas Morstead, DC Robert Saleh.
Strengths
San Francisco had one of the most efficient passing games in the NFL last season with Purdy at quarterback. He might have better options this season thanks to the free agent signing of Mike Evans in March and second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling, who had a strong preseason. McCaffrey remains one of the best receiving threats out of the backfield and Kittle has consistently been one of the top tight ends. The strength of the defense is at linebacker where Warner has been the best in the game when healthy the past five years with four All-Pro honors. He gets his longtime running mate back with Greenlaw returning after spending an injury-filled 2025 in Denver. If he can be healthy for the first time since 2023, that might be the best linebacker duo in the league and will be the engine of the defense.
Weaknesses
The 49ers finished with a league-low 20 sacks last season as they struggled to generate any consistent pressure after Bosa went down with a knee injury in Week 3. He has been slowed in camp coming back from his second major reconstructive surgery on his right knee and there are questions if he can get back to the form he had when he won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. While the Niners should get more interior pass rush from Odighizuwa, there’s little proven help on the outside which could be a concern. The other potential problem spots are at left guard where no one has seized the starting job in camp and safety where incumbents Ji’Ayir Brown, Malik Mustapha and Marques Sigle struggled to make big plays last season.
Camp development
The 49ers had some off-field drama this summer starting when Shanahan got into a bad car crash just before the start of camp that left him with a concussion. He was limited at the start of camp but has mostly recovered and should be ready to handle the job when the season starts. Owner Jed York got arrested late in training camp after being caught in a prostitution sting in Ohio. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors and could be facing punishment from the NFL.
Fantasy player to watch
McCaffrey came back from an injury-filled 2024 season and flirted with becoming the first player ever with two seasons with at least 1,000 yards rushing and receiving. He finished 76 short on the receiving end but still had 2,126 yards and 17 TDs from scrimmage as he was one of the most consistent performers in fantasy. But his league-high 413 touches from scrimmage in the regular season were the most by any player in 11 years and the second-most ever by a player age 29 or older. He was hampered by injuries in 2020 and ’24 after leading the league in touches the previous season, raising questions about how high he should be picked this year at age 30. The Niners have said they want to lighten his load this season and both Black and Jordan James showed flashes in the preseason as possible options.
#############
AFTER GOING 4-13 LAST SEASON, THE GIANTS EXPECT TO BE BETTER WITH JOHN HARBAUGH AS COACH
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — NEW YORK GIANTS (4-13)
Expectations
The Giants expect to be better after hiring John Harbaugh as coach, a Super Bowl champion tasked with bringing the organization back to prominence. There is almost nowhere to go but up after last season and 38 losses in 51 games going back to 2023. Harbaugh assembled an experienced coaching staff from offensive coordinator Matt Nagy to quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan, and he and general manager Joe Schoen upgraded the roster in free agency and the draft. How much better they’ll be hinges largely on QB Jaxson Dart, who is the undisputed starter going into his second NFL season. Adding Tremaine Edmunds and No. 5 pick Arvell Reese at linebacker and with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux rushing the passer, the defense is being counted on to improve drastically after ranking among the worst in the league. With the over/under on wins set at 7 1/2, contending for a playoff spot would make it a successful season. A lot would have to go right to make that happen, but there is legitimate excitement about the not-too-distant future.
New faces
Harbaugh, Nagy, Callahan, Edmunds, Reese, defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, RB Najee Harris, FB Patrick Ricard, WRs Darnell Mooney and Odell Beckham Jr., WR/PR Braxton Berrios, rookie WR Malachi Fields, TE Isaiah Likely, rookie OL Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa, DTs D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris and CJ Okoye, CB Greg Newsome, rookie CB Colton Hood, S Ar’Darius Washington, S Jason Pinnock, Rookie K Dominic Zvada, P Jordan Stout.
Key losses
DT Dexter Lawrence, QB Russell Wilson, WR Wan’Dale Robinson, G Greg Van Roten, OL Josh Ezeudu, LBs Bobby Okereke and Darius Muasau, CB Cor’Dale Flott, S Dane Belton, P Jamie Gillan.
Strengths
Harbaugh wants to be able to run the ball early and often. A backfield that includes Harris, Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy — plus Dart — with Ricard leading the way should be able to accomplish that. Balancing that out offensively is the return of No. 1 WR Malik Nabers from a torn ACL that cut his season short not even midway through his fourth game. Few teams have the personnel to attack off the edge as well as New York with the combination of Burns, Carter and Thibodeaux. Burns is coming off a career-best 16 1/2 sacks that trailed only record-setter Myles Garrett.
Weaknesses
Getting to pass rushing situations is a concern, and stopping the run is still a sizable question after allowing 145.3 yards a game on the ground last season. Losing Lawrence after he asked for and was granted a trade, to Cincinnati for the 10th pick, put a huge void in the middle of the defensive front. The secondary plays a role in that, too, and there could be holes for opponents to exploit running and passing against these defensive backs. On offense, Dart is learning a new system and could experience some growing pains along the way. Who he targets beyond leaning on Likely and Nabers remains to be seen, and Dart needs to stay healthy and avoid unnecessary hits.
Camp development
Calvin Austin was lost for the season with a right knee injury on a noncontact 1-on-1 drill on Aug. 25. Based on practices, the former Steelers receiver looked as if he would have had a significant role on offense.
Fantasy player to watch
Likely was Dart’s most popular target in camp, and he could be a safety valve when the games begin. Likely is almost a hybrid tight end/receiver who can line up just about anywhere and present a matchup nightmare for defenses.
##############
VIKINGS MAKE THEIR LATEST PIVOT AT QB, AS MURRAY TAKES THE REINS FOR WHAT COULD BE A REBOUND SEASON
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (9-8)
Expectations
The Vikings are in the rather favorable position of lurking in the shadows of the assumed NFC front-runners, after the rough debut at quarterback by J.J. McCarthy and persistent injury absences along the offensive line in 2025 pushed them to 28th in total yards with a per-game average (275) that was the lowest for the franchise since 1971. Kyler Murray was available for the veteran minimum salary after he was cut by Arizona for salary cap relief and a fresh start under a new regime, giving Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell the first overall pick from the 2019 draft to work with in his attempt to revive the offense. O’Connell’s success with Sam Darnold in 2024 suggests the Vikings can quickly re-establish themselves in the playoff race behind Murray, who has a unique ability to escape the pass rush and a career average of more than 600 rushing yards per season. O’Connell has entered his fifth year still seeking a playoff-game win, which the Vikings haven’t enjoyed since the 2019 postseason. There’s a least soft pressure to make significant progress despite most oddsmakers and prognosticators pegging them for last in the NFC North, after Nolan Teasley was hired from Super Bowl champion Seattle to replace the fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as general manager.
New faces
QB Kyler Murray, WR Jauan Jennings, CB James Pierre, OT Ryan Van Demark, P Johnny Hekker, DT Caleb Banks, DT Domonique Orange, LB Jake Golday, FB Max Bredeson.
Key losses
OLB Jonathan Greenard, S Harrison Smith, C Ryan Kelly, WR Jalen Nailor, FB C.J. Ham, DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, OT Justin Skule, P Ryan Wright.
Strengths
Justin Jefferson managed to hit the 1,000-yard receiving mark for a sixth straight season to start his career despite the broken-down passing game, yet another sign that he remains one of the very best in the league. With Jordan Addison and newcomer Jauan Jennings flanking Jefferson at wide receiver plus a capable tight end in T.J. Hockenson and the revered veteran Aaron Jones at running back, Murray should have plenty of playmakers to throw to with defenses forced to honor his running ability. With Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner on the edges and Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson on the inside, the Vikings have plenty of experience and playmaking prowess in their linebacker group. Turner is on the rise as the defense’s next star, with the 2024 first-round draft pick sliding into a starting role following Jonathan Greenard’s departure, and as long as Brian Flores is around as the defensive coordinator the Vikings ought to at least have a competitive unit.
Weaknesses
The Vikings did more subtracting than adding on defense with some cap-driven moves on the heels of a disappointing foray into free agency a year ago, and their trade of Greenard to Philadelphia and the possible retirement of safety Harrison Smith has diluted the defense. Van Ginkel and Turner have no proven backups in case of injury, and the depth at safety is also a concern with Smith still mulling whether to hang it up after 14 seasons or come back for another one. The concussion-forced retirement of center Ryan Kelly has put the versatile but unproven Blake Brandel in the anchor spot on the offensive line.
Camp development
Murray needs more time to get in the groove of running O’Connell’s complex scheme, but he has quickly shown a clear and valuable connection with Jefferson. The praise from coaches and teammates of Brandel’s grasp of the offense was muted a bit by some repeated struggles with cleanly snapping the ball. Kicker Will Reichard was as sharp as ever, beginning his third year.
Fantasy players to watch
O’Connell’s commitment to a productive and reliable running game, whether it lasts or not, ought to make both Jones and Jordan Mason viable sleeper picks for running back depth in the middle or end of most drafts even though the time share at this punishing position limits their value. The 31-year-old Jones topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2024, his first season with Minnesota, and averaged 400-plus receiving yards per year over a seven-season stretch from 2018-24. Hamstring, shoulder and hip injuries limited him to 12 games in 2025. The 27-year-old Mason lacks the pass-catching acumen Jones possesses but had a career-high six rushing touchdowns last season with 758 yards.
#############
BURROW CONVINCED BENGALS TIME TO RETURN AS AFC CONTENDERS HAS TO BE THIS SEASON
CINCINNATI BENGALS (6-11)
Expectations
Joe Burrow has a heightened sense of urgency going into his seventh season as the Bengals’ franchise quarterback. Cincinnati has missed the playoffs the past three seasons after making it to Super Bowl 56 in 2021 and the AFC championship game the following year. “You can keep pushing it down the road, or you can talk about it now and say, ‘This is the year.’ And I’m tired of saying, ‘Next year, next year, next year.’ This is it,” Burrow said after a joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Aug. 20. “Life is too short to keep pushing things down the road.” The Bengals return all of their starters on offense, but the upgrades on defense will go a long way in determining if they are contenders. After signing defensive end Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook in free agency, Cincinnati sent a first-round pick to the New York Giants the week before the draft for Dexter Lawrence. Even though Cincinnati can put up plenty of points with Burrow throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it has lost seven games the past two years in which it scored at least 30 points but allowed 30 or more.
New faces
DT Dexter Lawrence II, DT Jonathan Allen, DE Boye Mafe, S Bryan Cook.
Key losses
DE Trey Hendrickson, OLB Joseph Ossai, S Geno Stone.
Strengths
When Burrow is healthy, the Bengals have one of the top offenses in the NFL. His 68.41% career completion rate is currently tops in league history among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 pass attempts. Chase is the only player in league history with at least 80 catches, 1000 receiving yards and seven receiving scores in each of his first five years. Higgins was tied for second in the league with 11 receiving TDs last season. All 11 starters return on offense as well as backup QB Joe Flacco, who the Bengals acquired last season from Cleveland after Burrow suffered a turf toe injury and the team dropped two straight.
Weaknesses
Lack of depth on the offensive line. Cody Ford was the swing tackle the past couple of seasons, but was released last week. Javon Foster is an option at swing tackle and Jalen Rivers can play both guard and tackle. While the upgrades on the defense were concentrated on improving the pass rush and the secondary, the Bengals were last in the league in stopping the run, allowing an average of 147.1 yards per game on the ground.
Camp development
WR Dohnte Meyers led the team in receiving during the preseason with 11 receptions for 121 yards. Meyers spent two seasons with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders before signing a reserve/futures contract during the offseason. Joe Burrow said after the first preseason game against the Detroit Lions that he found out Meyers drove eight hours from Atlanta to attend a throwing session after the franchise quarterback asked if he could be there.
Fantasy player to watch
Fourth-year running back Chase Brown was one of five NFL players with at least 1,000 rushing and 400 receiving yards last season. He had a franchise-record six straight games with at least 100 scrimmage yards. Brown’s 123 receptions the past two seasons are fourth among running backs, and his nine receiving touchdowns are tied for second.
############
CALEB WILLIAMS AND THE CHICAGO BEARS WANT MORE AFTER SURPRISING PLAYOFF RUN LAST SEASON
CHICAGO BEARS (12-7)
Expectations
Ben Johnson established high standards for Chicago shortly after he was hired as coach in January 2025. Coming off the organization’s first NFC North title since 2018, he is looking for even more in his second season with the Bears. One of the biggest reasons for optimism is Johnson’s relationship with Caleb Williams going into the quarterback’s third year in the NFL. With Johnson calling the plays, Williams passed for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. Led by the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, Chicago posted an NFL-record seven wins when trailing in last two minutes of regulation, including a thriller against Green Bay in the wild-card round. It’s hard to imagine the Bears duplicating that late-game success this time around, especially against a first-place schedule. But they might not be in that position as much, either, not with Williams’ increased familiarity with Johnson’s offense and his array of potential playmakers. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are back at wide receiver, and Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet form one of the NFL’s best tandems at tight end.
New faces
S Coby Bryant, OL Garrett Bradbury, LB Devin Bush, WR Kalif Raymond, DB Cam Lewis, DL Kentavius Street, DL Neville Gallimore, S Dillon Thieneman, C Logan Jones, TE Sam Roush, WR Zavion Thomas, CB Malik Muhammad, LB Keyshaun Elliott, DT Jordan van den Berg.
Key losses
C Drew Dalman, S Kevin Byard, WR DJ Moore, S Jaquan Brisker, LB Tremaine Edmunds, DB Nahshon Wright, WR Devin Duvernay, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, S Jonathan Owens, TE Durham Smythe.
Strengths
Look for Johnson to make the most of Chicago’s impressive group of tight ends. The 6-foot-6 Loveland got off to a slow start in his rookie year after he was the No. 10 overall selection in the draft. But he was terrific at the end of the season, finishing with 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns. The 27-year-old Kmet is going into his seventh year in the NFL. He combined with Williams on one of Chicago’s most memorable plays last season, hauling in a dramatic 14-yard TD reception in a 20-17 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs. Roush joins the mix after he was taken by the Bears in the third round of this year’s draft out of Stanford.
Weaknesses
The secondary and defensive line are major concerns. Bryant, who signed a $40 million, three-year contract with Chicago in free agency, could miss the entire season after he hurt his left knee during training camp. Cornerback Kyler Gordon is out with a calf issue after he was hampered by groin and hamstring injuries last season. Thieneman steps in at strong safety after he was the No. 25 pick in the draft, but he is likely headed for some growing pains as a rookie. The Bears had trouble rushing the passer last year, finishing with 35 sacks, and they made no major additions to their defensive line in the offseason. Shemar Turner, a second-round pick in the 2025 draft, could provide a lift at some point with a successful comeback from a torn ACL.
Camp development
The Bears liked van den Berg when they drafted the 310-pound defensive tackle in the sixth round in April, and they like him even more now. Van den Berg, 24, showed off a promising mix of power and athleticism during training camp. “He’s a beast,” Johnson said. “This guy, he’s an incredible athlete, and he’s still learning the game of football to a degree, and yet it’s amazing what he brings to the table. He’s been the same guy every single day, smile on his face. He loves football. He loves the process.”
Fantasy player to watch
D’Andre Swift rushed for a career-high 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He also caught 34 passes for 299 yards and a TD. The 27-year-old Swift looked good in training camp while Kyle Monangai was sidelined by a leg injury. Swift is the lead back, but he likely takes on a more significant role if Monangai is slowed at the start of the season. Barring an extension, Swift also is going into the final year of his contract with Chicago.
#############
DEFENDING NFC SOUTH CHAMPION PANTHERS LOOK TO TAKE ANOTHER STEP UNDER QB BRYCE YOUNG
Carolina Panthers (8-10)
Expectations
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers are looking to take another big step forward under fourth-year quarterback Bryce Young in 2026 after winning the NFC South and snapping a seven-year playoff drought.
The Panthers backed into the playoffs last season with an 8-9 record before nearly pulling off a monumental upset against the Los Angeles Rams. Carolina lost 34-31 on a late TD pass by league MVP Matthew Stafford.
Despite that, general manager Dan Morgan is encouraged by the direction of the team and its patient rebuild process.
Much of that optimism surrounds Young’s improvement.
The 2023 No. 1 overall pick entered last season 6-22 as a starter, leading to questions about his future in Carolina. But Young rebounded by throwing for a career-high 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns last season while going 8-8 as a starter.
Panthers coach Dave Canales said Young looks more comfortable and confident than ever entering his third season in the same offensive system. He’s getting the team to the line quicker. He’s being more decisive. And he’s taken on a bigger leadership role, something the team was eager to see.
“I love where he’s headed,” Canales said.
Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik will take over play-calling duties from Canales this season, but the playbook essentially remains the same.
Young has some intriguing weapons to work with.
Tetairoa McMillan was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after catching 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven TDs, and the late-season emergence of Jalen Coker solidified the team’s No. 2 receiver spot.
Chuba Hubbard returns as the starting running back, and the Panthers are expecting big things from 2024 second-round draft pick Jonathan Brooks. Brooks is finally healthy after missing almost two full seasons with knee injuries.
The Panthers also added veteran free agent Darren Waller to the mix, giving Young an experienced pass-catching tight end.
The addition of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and inside linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency should help bolster a defense that improved from last in the league in 2024 to 16th last season.
New faces
OLB Jaelan Phillips, LB Devin Lloyd, QB Kenny Pickett, RB AJ Dillon, OT Rasheed Walker, OT Monroe Freeling, C Luke Fortner, WR John Metchie III, TE Darren Waller.
Key losses
QB Andy Dalton, RB Rico Dowdle, DT A’Shawn Robinson, C Austin Corbett, C-G Cade Mays, OT Yosh Nijman, LB Christian Rozeboom.
Strengths
Carolina’s cornerback tandem of Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson is one of best in the league. The Panthers were 22nd against the pass last season, but that doesn’t tell the full story. Horn had five interceptions and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year. Jackson led the NFL with 19 pass breakups and had four interceptions in the regular season and another in the playoffs. Jackson’s 80.9 grade in coverage from Pro Football Focus was the third-highest among cornerbacks. If the Panthers can get more pressure on the opposing QB, it will only allow more opportunities for Horn, Jackson and promising young nickel back Chau Smith-Wade to make plays in the secondary.
Weaknesses
All things being equal, the Panthers offensive line is probably the biggest strength of the team. But not right now. Carolina will open the season without both starting offensive tackles Ickey Ekwonu and Taylor Moton — with no specific timetable for their return. Ekwonu is still recovering from a knee injury in January’s playoff game, while Moton is dealing with blood clots in his lungs. Carolina drafted Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling in the first round and he’ll start the season on the right side while free agent pickup Rasheed Walker opens at left tackle. High-priced guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis have missed time with nagging injuries in training camp, but are expected to be ready for the regular season. Still, the absence of Ekwonu and Moton has created questions at offensive tackle and depleted Carolina’s overall depth up front.
Camp development
Training camp has not been kind to Carolina. The Panthers lost two promising young players to season-ending knee injuries in second-year edge rusher Nic Scourton and rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell, a third-round draft pick out of Tennessee. Scourton had five sacks as a rookie and was expected to play a prominent role on defense this season, while Brazzell was viewed as a potential deep threat with his 4.37-second 40 speed and the big-play ability he showed at Tennessee.
Fantasy player to watch
Jalen Coker could be on the verge of a big season after emerging as a key figure in Carolina’s offense late last season, earning the 2024 undrafted free agent from Holy Cross a three-year, $35 million contract extension. Coker has replaced the ineffective Xavier Legette as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver and become a reliable target for Young. Coker had 23 receptions for 378 yards and four touchdowns over Carolina’s final six games (including the playoffs), including a career-high nine catches for 134 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Rams.
##############
AARON GLENN GETS ANOTHER CHANCE TO TURN THINGS AROUND AS THE JETS TRY TO END 15-YEAR PLAYOFF DROUGHT
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — NEW YORK JETS (3-14)
Expectations
Aaron Glenn’s first season as coach didn’t go nearly as good as he and the franchise hoped, but he’s getting a do-over in his second year — with an eye on a franchise turnaround and a return to respectability. The Jets have a 15-year playoff drought, the longest active skid in the four major North American leagues, and it’ll be tough to end that this year in a top-heavy AFC East with New England and Buffalo leading the way. But Glenn revamped his staff, most notably bringing in offensive coordinator Frank Reich, and he and GM Darren Mougey added a few veteran leaders to help instill a winning attitude, including quarterback Geno Smith — in his return to the team that drafted him in 2013 — linebacker Demario Davis and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Jets could still end up in play for one of the NFL draft’s top QBs next April, but Glenn will need to show marked improvement with a handful more wins to stick around and oversee the next step.
New faces
OC Frank Reich, DC Brian Duker, QB Geno Smith, LB Demario Davis, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, G Dylan Parham, OL Jordan Meredith, DT T’Vondre Sweat, DL David Onyemata, DE Kingsley Enagbare, DE Joseph Ossai, CB Nahshon Wright, S Dane Belton, K Blake Grupe, rookie edge rusher David Bailey, rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq, rookie WR Omar Cooper Jr., rookie CB D’Angelo Ponds, rookie DT Darrell Jackson Jr., rookie QB Cade Klubnik.
Key losses
OC Tanner Engstrand, QB Justin Fields, QB Tyrod Taylor, G Alijah Vera-Tucker, G John Simpson, WR John Metchie, edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, LB Quincy Williams, DL Micheal Clemons, S Tony Adams, DB Isaiah Oliver, K Nick Folk.
Strengths
The offensive line was a positive last season and looks to be so again with bookend tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, center Josh Myers, right guard Joe Tippmann and new left guard Parham. Reich’s presence should pay immediate dividends for an offense that ranked among the NFL’s worst in several categories. Adding Sadiq to a versatile tight ends group that includes Jeremy Ruckert and Mason Taylor should give Smith — who led the NFL with 17 INTs in Las Vegas last season — some safety outlets beyond running back Breece Hall and wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell. The acquisition of the 6-foot-4, 366-pound Sweat from Tennessee gives New York a hefty D-line, especially against the run with Harrison Phillips, Jowon Briggs and Onyemata. The Jets are hoping Bailey, the No. 2 overall pick, can add some instant juice to the pass rush with Will McDonald, Enagbare and Ossai coming off the edges.
Weaknesses
Smith is considered by some a placeholder and is coming off a down year. He’s an upgrade from what New York had last season, but if he goes down, Klubnik could be forced into action. The Jets were the first NFL team to go an entire season without an interception since the league started tracking the stat in 1933. The new-look secondary will need to make plays to allow the front to put pressure on quarterbacks. Bringing in Fitzpatrick, Wright and Belton should help, as well as the rookie Ponds, but all eyes will be on the defense’s ability to take the ball away. The depth at linebacker could be tested behind the 37-year-old Davis and returning starter Jamien Sherwood. After the Jets had the reliable Nick Folk at kicker last season, they claimed Grupe off waivers from the Colts after Jason Sanders and Cade York struggled this summer.
Camp development
Bailey looked disruptive with a quick first step throughout training camp and had good showings in joint practices with Tampa Bay and preseason games, providing some optimism the former Texas Tech star could make an instant impact for New York’s defense.
Fantasy player to watch
Hall, coming off his first 1,000-yard rushing season, was sidelined the second half of camp with a strained groin. But he’s expected to be ready for Week 1 and should be a dual-threat producer out of the backfield in Reich’s offense. Hall’s receiving numbers should come closer to those of his second season in 2023 (76 receptions for 591 yards) than last season (36 for 350).
##############
SEAHAWKS LOOK TO DEFEND SUPER BOWL TITLE WITH SAM DARNOLD, JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA BACK AFTER BIG SEASONS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (17-3)
Expectations
Considering how many key players the Seahawks retained from last year’s Super Bowl-winning squad, it isn’t unreasonable to think Seattle could become the ninth team in NFL history to win consecutive championships. Anything less than securing the franchise’s third Super Bowl would be considered a failure for coach Mike Macdonald and his talented roster. As they did last season, the Seahawks will have to compete in a tough AFC West. The already-talented Los Angeles Rams retooled by acquiring Myles Garrett, who won two of the last three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, and pairing him with Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement. The Seahawks bring back the reigning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who last year set team records for catches and receiving yards. Quarterback Sam Darnold returns after leading a team to 14 or more wins for the second straight season. Seattle’s defense, which allowed the fewest points per game (17.2) a year ago, perhaps got stronger with the addition of edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., who has 58 1/2 career sacks. The Seahawks have the pieces in place to repeat as champions. Now, the question is whether they do what the “Legion of Boom”-era teams came so close to doing and hoist a second Lombardi Trophy.
New faces
RB Jadarian Price, S Bud Clark, CB Julian Neal, G Beau Stephens, WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr., CB Andre Fuller, NT Deven Eastern, CB Michael Dansby, LB Dante Fowler Jr., WR Irvin Charles, OT Bobby Hart, TE Nick Vannett, CB Noah Igbinoghene, S Rodney Thomas II, RB Emanuel Wilson.
Key losses
RB Kenneth Walker III, CB Riq Woolen, S Coby Bryant, LB Boye Mafe, WR Dareke Young.
Strengths
Few position groups on the Seahawks are deeper and more talented than wide receiver. Seattle returns Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed, who signed a $51 million, three-year contract in March after making big plays last season on offense and special teams. Cooper Kupp, the 2021 AP Offensive Player of the Year, is back for his second season in Seattle. Tory Horton, who only appeared in eight games last year because of a broken shin, scored six touchdowns as a rookie in 2025 and has been a full participant in training camp. Seattle has it all at wide receiver — star power, depth and diversity of talent.
Weaknesses
Walker, the Super Bowl MVP, left for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. And his understudy, Zach Charbonnet, was placed on the physically unable to perform list before training camp. The Seahawks will need their reserve running backs to step up this season, at least until Charbonnet returns. Rookie first-round draft pick Jadarian Price has looked the part in camp, but he doesn’t have much experience catching passes out of the backfield. Price could split time with George Holani, who is entering his third NFL season. Holani has rushed for only 83 yards on 25 carries in a reserve role. Emanuel Wilson, who signed in free agency after three seasons with Green Bay, adds to an inexperienced group.
Camp development
Tight end Elijah Arroyo could be poised for a breakout season. Arroyo, a second-round pick in 2025, was slowed by a knee injury over the closing stretch of last season. But in training camp, the 6-foot-5, 254-pounder has impressed with both his improved blocking and a number of touchdown catches during one-on-one drills. First-year offensive coordinator Brian Fleury likes to make good use of his tight ends, which means Arroyo could see both his opportunities and production increase.
Fantasy player to watch
Shaheed is in line to take on a more prominent role in his first full season in Seattle. The 6-foot, 180-pound speedster was more of a factor on special teams in 2025 after joining the Seahawks in a midseason trade with New Orleans. While continuing to return kickoffs and punts, Shaheed should also get plenty of passes thrown his way in an offense that averaged the eighth-most passing yards per game last season.
#############
PATRICK MAHOMES ON TRACK FOR WEEK 1 AS THE CHIEFS TRY TO REBOUND FROM A DISASTROUS 6-11 SEASON
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-11)
Expectations
The expectations ever since the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes nearly a decade ago are to win the Super Bowl, and that won’t change despite a disastrous 6-11 season last year. Or the fact that the QB is coming off a devastating knee injury.
Sure, the Chiefs struggled last season from the moment they opened with a loss to the Chargers in Brazil, right through the moment Mahomes tore ligaments in his knee in another game against Los Angeles, which eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention. But Mahomes has participated in the entirety of the Chiefs’ offseason program, and the two-time MVP is on track to start Week 1 against Denver, just eight months after the injury occurred.
The question is whether Kansas City did enough in the offseason to help him. The Chiefs upgraded at running back by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III from Seattle, but they did little to bolster their wide receiver corps, instead hoping that Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton can take some big steps forward.
The defense also has some question marks, especially in the backfield, where the Chiefs traded star cornerback Trent McDuffie and lost starters Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson to free agency. They used their first-round pick to draft Mansoor Delane sixth overall, and in all, Kansas City used its first four draft picks on the defensive side of the ball.
New faces
RBs Kenneth Walker III, Emmett Johnson and Emari Demercado; OL Khalil Benson; QBs Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier; CBs Mansoor Delane, Jadon Canady and L’Jarius Sneed; FS Alohi Gilman; DT Peter Woods and Khyiris Tonga; and DE R Mason Thomas.
Key losses
CBs Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams; DLs Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi; DEs Charles Omenihu, Mike Dana and Malik Herring; LB Leo Chenal; RBs Isiah Pacheco and Dameon Pierce; WRs Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster; SS Bryan Cook; and OLs Wanya Morris and Jawaan Taylor.
Strengths
The addition of Walker to the backfield coupled with improved play from a more experienced offensive line should help the Chiefs to move the ball like they did during their Super Bowl runs, and not like they did while scuffling to a 6-11 finish last season.
Meanwhile, Rice, Worthy and Thornton along with rookie breakout candidate Cyrus Allen have loads of potential at wide receiver. The question is whether any of them will take the necessary step from being a mid-tier player to a truly elite weapon.
Weaknesses
The Chiefs have struggled to rush the passer for years, and while they have long relied on defensive tackle Chris Jones to provide some pressure up the middle, he just turned 32 and is on the back side of his career.
Woods and Thomas are intriguing draft picks, but they also are unproven. What would help the pass rush is more excellent play from the secondary, but the Chiefs are replacing their top three cornerbacks and their starting safety from last season.
Camp development
The biggest breakthroughs in training camp came on offense, where Allen quickly built a rapport with Mahomes and began to factor into the passing game, and Benson worked his way from a rookie tryout into the starting lineup at right tackle.
Delane missed a good chunk of camp with a shoulder injury, but he was cleared a few weeks ago and should start Week 1.
Fantasy player to watch
The Chiefs have not had a true bell-cow running back since Jamaal Charles more than a decade ago, but Walker could be poised for a big season. The Chiefs would like to be more balanced on offense, which means Walker could be in line for a 1,000-yard season on the ground. But he also catches the ball well out of the backfield, and that has long been a staple of coach Andy Reid’s offense.
#############
JAGUARS LOOKING TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IN CONSECUTIVE YEARS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1999
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (13-4)
Expectations
The Jaguars surprised nearly everyone in coach Liam Coen’s debut season. What will they do for an encore? Jacksonville returns 19 of 22 starters and believes it can make consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 1998-99. The franchise failed to finish above .500 the last four seasons following double-digit wins (2000, ’06, ‘08 and ’18). To reverse that decades-long trend, the Jaguars will need to navigate a more daunting schedule – they face four 2025 playoffs teams in the first six weeks and play two home games in London — and get more out of several first- and second-year players. QB Trevor Lawrence played his best football in five seasons over the final seven games of the regular season, throwing 18 TD passes and four INTs — and running for four more scores. Jacksonville won nine of 10 down the stretch to clinch the AFC South and a No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Losing to Buffalo 27-24 in a wild-card game provided plenty of offseason motivation, but it also highlighted Jacksonville’s lack of difference-makers at key positions. Getting more out of defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers, and two-way standout Travis Hunter seem like a must for Jacksonville to take a step forward.
New faces
RB Chris Rodriguez, DT, Ruke Orhorhoro, OG Emmanuel Pregnon, TE Nate Boerkircher, DT Albert Regis.
Key losses
RB Travis Etienne, LB Devin Lloyd, S Andrew Wingard.
Strengths
The receiving corps has the talent and depth to be among the best in franchise history. Thomas found his footing in Coen’s offense late last season and finished with 707 yards and two TDs a year after making the Pro Bowl. The addition of Meyers at the trade deadline last year, the emergence of fourth-year pro Parker Washington and the belief that Hunter will be a star on both sides of the ball gives Jacksonville a solid group with plenty of upside. Rookies Josh Cameron and CJ Williams also are waiting in the wings to show their training camp success was no fluke.
Weaknesses
Jacksonville struggled to run the ball consistently down the stretch in 2025, finishing with less than 110 yards on the ground in five of their last seven games. The Jaguars let Etienne leave in free agency and are counting on Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten to carry the load this season. They also tweaked the offensive line during training camp, although many of the faces remain the same. Former first-round draft pick Anton Harrison moved from RT to LT, with rookie Pregnon sliding in at LG. Former LG Ezra Cleveland shifted to the right side, next to new RT Walker Little. Injuries to guard Patrick Mekari (back) and offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen (knee) made the moves necessary.
Camp development
Hunter, the NFL’s only two-way player, got more defensive than offensive repetitions in training camp. He played a total of 274 snaps in practice, with 208 of them on defense, 65 on offense and one on special teams. He’s considered a starting cornerback opposite Montaric Brown and will open the season as the team’s No. 4 receiver behind Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner missed 10 games last season after tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during a bye-week practice. He was coming off his best offensive game as a pro, catching eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in a 35-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London, and the Jaguars were planning to use him as their No. 1 receiver moving forward. Now, he has the potential to become a No. 1 cornerback.
Fantasy player to watch
Washington has been the team’s best player during training camp, picking up where he left off last season. He totaled 26 receptions for 444 yards and three touchdowns in Jacksonville’s final four games, including three 100-yard outings. He also returned two punts for scores earlier in the year. There’s also this: the fourth-year pro is in a contract year, meaning he has reason to show out in 2026.
#############
MIKE LAFLEUR TAKES OVER THE ARIZONA CARDINALS, WHO AIM TO IMPROVE IN POST-KYLER MURRAY ERA
ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-14)
Expectations
First-year coach Mike LaFleur gets his chance to turn around the Cardinals, who have made the playoffs just once over the past decade and haven’t won a playoff game since 2015. The 39-year-old LaFleur spent the past three seasons leading the Los Angeles Rams’ high-powered offense and is expected to bring some innovation to a team that’s moved on from former No. 1 pick Kyler Murray and now has veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett under center. The Cardinals do have a group of very good skill position players led by All-Pro tight end Trey McBride, receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson along with rookie Jeremiyah Love, a running back who was selected with the No. 3 overall pick out of Notre Dame. Brissett — who threw for a career-high 3,366 yards last season — hopes to have more team success this year after going 1-11 for the Cardinals in 2025 after replacing the injured Murray. The defense is led by second-year defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, edge rusher Josh Sweat and safety Budda Baker. Sweat had a career-high 12 sacks last season.
New faces
QB Gardner Minshew, QB Carson Beck, RB Jeremiyah Love, RB Tyler Allgeier, WR Reggie Virgil, WR Kendrick Bourne, WR Devin Duvernay, G Issac Seumalo, G Chase Bisontis, T Jayden Williams, DT Roy Lopez, DT Andrew Billings, LB Jack Gibbens, LB Karson Sharar, S Andrew Wingard.
Key losses
QB Kyler Murray, RB Michael Carter, RB Emari Demercado, WR Greg Dortch, WR Zay Jones, DL Calais Campbell, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, S Jalen Thompson, LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, OL Kelvin Beachum, OL Jonah Williams, DT Bilal Nichols, G Will Hernandez.
Strengths
The Cardinals should be able to score some points if their core of skill position players stays healthy. Brissett isn’t flashy but can make all the throws and is poised for the most productive season of his career. McBride has turned into one of the NFL’s best tight ends as a versatile pass catcher who is a load to bring down in the open field. Wilson is coming off his first 1,000-yard season as a receiver and still has room to grow while Harrison has been a little up-and-down through his first two seasons but flashed big-play ability after being selected No. 4 overall in 2024. Love could be a breakout star and he’ll have help in the running backs room from veterans James Conner, Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight. The offensive line is solid, led by left tackle Paris Johnson Jr and center Hjalte Froholdt.
Weaknesses
The Cardinals had one of the NFL’s worst defensive units last season, giving up nearly 29 points per game. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis is back and he’ll try to make improvements despite limited options. Sweat is a top-tier pass rush threat, but after that, the depth chart is mostly unremarkable. Nolen flashed during his rookie season with two sacks but struggled to stay healthy. If he’s on the field for 17 games, expect big things. Cody Simon and Mack Wilson Sr. will be the team’s main linebackers while Baker — an eight-time Pro Bowl selection — remains the leader of the secondary. Will Johnson, Denzel Burke and Garrett Williams have upside as the team’s main cornerbacks.
Camp development
It’s been a bumpy start for the Cardinals’ rookie class, which has dealt with myriad injuries. Second-round pick Chase Bisontis looked like an immediate contributor on the offensive line, but injured his knee in the second preseason game and is out for the season. Fourth-round pick Kaleb Proctor is also out for the season with a knee injury. Love looked great in his first preseason action but suffered a sprained ankle and has missed substantial practice time. The same goes for Beck, who is dealing with an injury to his ribs after completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a TD in his lone preseason game.
Fantasy player to watch
The Cardinals might be the classic example of a team that doesn’t have a great record but could have several fantasy-worthy offensive players. McBride, Wilson and Harrison should all put up big numbers while Brissett could be a sleeper in deep leagues. Keep an eye on Love, who has looked NFL-ready during camp and could be one of the league’s top rookies as long as his ankle injury is not serious.
#############
BO NIX RETURNS FROM BROKEN ANKLE AND HAS A BETTER OFFENSE AROUND HIM FOR 2026
DENVER BRONCOS (15-4)
Expectations
In two words, Super Bowl. That’s where the Broncos figured they were headed until Bo Nix broke his right ankle while leading Denver to a game-winning drive in overtime against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills during the playoffs in January. Nix underwent surgery the next day and backup Jarrett Stidham had an awful game a week later in Denver’s 10-7 loss to New England in the AFC championship. Now Nix is embarking on a comeback. Coach Sean Payton relinquished game-calling duties to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb and general manager George Paton traded his first-round pick in the NFL draft to Miami for speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who should free up everyone around him as teams decide whether to double him or Courtland Sutton. The defense has led the league in sacks each of the last two seasons and decided not to bring back DE John Franklin-Myers and ILB Dre Greenlaw. Justin Strnad, who has started 16 games over the last two seasons, steps in for Greenlaw and JFM’s snaps will be shared by Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike and rookie Tyler Onyedim.
New faces
WR Jaylen Waddle, RB Jonah Coleman, DE Tyler Onyedim.
Key losses
ILB Dre Greenlaw, DE John Franklin-Myers, S P.J. Locke.
Strengths
Continuity. The Broncos were quiet in free agency and only four of their seven draft picks made the initial 53-man roster. Among those who didn’t was fifth-round tight end Justin Joly, who was claimed by Miami. Denver has long relied on its dominant defense and even without OLB Jonathon Cooper, who’s on the commissioner’s exempt list after a pair of domestic-violence arrests in June, this unit is set to lead the way again in 2026. The Broncos have led the league in sacks each of the last two seasons and they posted a combined sack differential of plus-84 over that span, leading the league by a wide margin. The offense should be better with Waddle taking up so much attention, freeing others to beat one-on-one coverage.
Weaknesses
The weak link again is probably tight end even though Evan Engram should get more opportunities with former Giants teammate Webb running the offense. Inside linebacker could be a question mark on defense but only because the secondary, led by former AP Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II and rising star Riley Moss, is so good as is the pass rush led by Nik Bonitto and a slew of others.
Camp development
The player who turned all the heads and dropped all the jaws in training camp wasn’t Waddle or Sutton but second-year pro Pat Bryant. “Man, Pat’s a beast,” Waddle said. “He’s another young guy I’m excited to see work this year, I’m excited to play alongside him. I’m excited for the world to get to know Pat Bryant’s name.” Webb has already introduced a new moniker for Bryant: “Patty Ice”: “Man, ‘Patty Ice’ has had some really, really good practices,” said Webb.
Fantasy player to watch
While Waddle will be key with his ability to zip past defenders or stop suddenly to create separation and Sutton could have another big season — he’s caught 25 touchdown passes over the last three seasons combined — the guess here is that Bryant continues his rise and becomes a household name among fantasy owners and rewards those smart enough to draft him out of the gate.
#############
TEXANS CHASE A BREAKTHROUGH IN YEAR 25 AS PRESSURE MOUNTS ON QUARTERBACK C.J. STROUD
HOUSTON TEXANS (13-6)
Expectations
The Texans enter their 25th season as favorites to reclaim the AFC South title under coach DeMeco Ryans after finishing second last season and making the playoffs as a wild-card team. As they prepare to celebrate this milestone season, they hope this is the one during which they finally get over the hump and reach their first AFC championship game and possibly the Super Bowl after losing in the divisional round in each of the past three years. Pressure is on quarterback C.J. Stroud after he threw a career-high four interceptions in a divisional loss to New England. The Texans exercised the fifth-year option on Stroud’s rookie contract in April that locked him in through the 2027 season, but have yet to sign the 24-year-old to an extension — raising questions about his long-term future in Houston. The offense got a boost this offseason with a trade with Detroit for running back David Montgomery and general manager Nick Caserio made several moves to upgrade the offensive line. While the offense should be improved, expect this team to rely heavily on its elite defense that is looking to build on its dominant performance from last season.
New faces
Montgomery, WR Kayshon Boutte, DE Jadeveon Clowney, S Reed Blankenship, OG Wyatt Teller, OT Braden Smith, C Keylan Rutledge, DT Kayden McDonald, TE Marlin Klein.
Key losses
OT Tytus Howard, RB Joe Mixon, RB Nick Chubb, WR Christian Kirk, C Juice Scruggs, S Jaylen Reed.
Strengths
Houston’s defense should again be the strength of the team after leading the NFL in yards allowed (277.2) and ranking second in points (17.4) last season. The group is led by star defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who signed a three-year, $150 million contract extension this offseason that made him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Also returning is veteran defensive end Danielle Hunter after he and Anderson combined for 27 sacks last year. The already fearsome pass rush got a boost with the return of Jadeveon Clowney, who spent his first five seasons in Houston after being selected first overall in 2014. Though Houston’s pass rush leads the defense, the rest of the unit is also strong and features depth at linebacker and an elite secondary led by two-time All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley.
Weaknesses
As has been the case for most of the team’s history, the offensive line continues to be a weakness of the team. The unit struggled in both run and pass blocking last season, causing Caserio to prioritize upgrading the group in the offseason. The Texans added Teller and Smith in free agency and selected Rutledge in the first round to play with left tackle Aireontae Ersery, who should be improved in Year 2. They have looked good in limited preseason work, but their ability to gel quickly will be key to Houston’s success this season.
Camp development
The offense was dealt a major blow before the second preseason game when No. 2 receiver Jayden Higgins tore an ACL in a joint practice with the Raiders. Higgins, who was expected to start alongside star Nico Collins, had 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie last year. The injury left Houston scrambling to fill the spot before acquiring Kayshon Boutte from New England in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed on Aug. 24. Boutte, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, had 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns last season. The Patriots had a logjam at the position after trading for receiver A.J. Brown in June and signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract in March. The Texans also hope that receiver Tank Dell can contribute at some point this season after he missed all last season recovering from a gruesome knee injury he suffered in Dec. 2024. But his return will have to wait a bit longer after he was placed on injured reserve to start the season, keeping him out at least the first four games.
Fantasy player to watch
Collins is always a good bet for any fantasy team, but his value could be even higher in the wake of the injury to Higgins. The two-time Pro Bowl pick has three straight 1,000-yard seasons, capped by 1,117 yards and six touchdowns last year in 15 games. The 27-year-old receiver has averaged 15 yards a catch in his five-year career.
##############
STAR-STUDDED LA RAMS LOAD UP DEFENSE WITH GARRETT, MCDUFFIE, DONALD FOR ANOTHER SUPER BOWL PUSH
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LOS ANGELES RAMS (14-6)
Expectations
Everybody knows the Los Angeles Rams are unafraid to go all-in when they believe they’ve got a team that can win a championship, and they’ve done it again after falling just short last winter. LA started the 2025 regular season impressively before flagging down the stretch, only to rally for two road playoff victories and a narrow loss to Seattle in the NFC title game. The NFL’s best offense led by MVP Matthew Stafford barely failed to overcome the shortcomings of a defense that needed better players — and so in typical Rams fashion, they went out and paid a hefty price to get the best. GM Les Snead traded for AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, the NFL’s top defensive end, and Trent McDuffie, one of its best cornerbacks. Those moves proved irresistible to Aaron Donald, who ended his two-season retirement last month and returned to what could be a historically good defensive line. The Rams also retained every key contributor to that elite offense, including All-Pro receiver Puka Nacua and NFL touchdown catches leader Davante Adams. Sean McVay says he has everything he needs to put up points in bunches, while the defense has been given plenty of ingredients for success. Anything less than a title will feel like a failure for Los Angeles this season, and preseason favorites typically don’t win the Super Bowl — but McVay said he’s firmly focused on the work that must be done to get the most out of this impressive collection of talent.
New faces
DE Myles Garrett, CB Trent McDuffie, CB Jaylen Watson, assistant head coach Kliff Kingsbury, QB Ty Simpson, WR CJ Daniels, LB Grant Stuard.
Key losses
OC Mike LaFleur, DE Jared Verse, CB Cobie Durant, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, CB Darious Williams, CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Strengths
Stafford was at his absolute best in his 17th NFL season, and the 38-year-old quarterback returns behind a fully intact offensive line that protected him well last season. Nacua and Adams still look like one of the league’s best receiving tandems, while McVay has five talented tight ends to employ in the “13 personnel” schemes he proliferated last season. The defense is led by two of the NFL’s best players now, and Garrett will be highly motivated to add team success to his formidable list of individual accomplishments in Cleveland. McVay remains one of the sport’s most innovative minds in his 10th season with LA, and he is hungry for a second Super Bowl title.
Weaknesses
If Stafford gets hurt, the Rams would have to turn over the NFL’s top offense to Stetson Bennett, who hasn’t played a snap in a game that counts since he won his second national title at Georgia four years ago, or raw rookie Ty Simpson, the Rams’ shocking first-round pick. That top-heaviness is a theme on this roster, which is one injury away from big problems at several positions. Los Angeles has no clear No. 3 receiver option if Adams or Nacua can’t stay healthy. Nacua also could be suspended at some point soon for his multiple misbehaviors. So could left tackle Alaric Jackson, who doesn’t have a clear backup. LA didn’t add a linebacker who could improve the position’s pass coverage, which was exploited last season by savvy offensive coordinators.
Camp development
Donald’s possible return hung over every workout this summer, and the eight-time All-Pro finally ended the suspense with a decision that energized an already talented roster. Stafford and Adams appeared to hone their connection with several weeks of practice after injuries kept them apart of chunks of last summer. Bennett and Simpson earned enough trust from McVay to stop the Rams from signing a veteran backup for Stafford, at least for now. The most exciting preseason performer was Wesley Bailey, an undrafted 25-year-old linebacker who played six seasons of college football before joining the Rams and playing his way onto the 53-man roster.
Fantasy player to watch
Most fantasy players are familiar with the Rams’ strengths, and there’s no reason to doubt Stafford, Nacua and Garrett won’t put up prolific numbers. Given the Rams’ reliance on three-tight-end sets last season, the most intriguing sleeper on the roster could be Terrance Ferguson, who had just 11 catches for 231 yards as a rookie last season. He seems likely to have a prominent role if healthy, and his hands made him a prolific receiver at Oregon. If anybody seems ready to ratchet up his production, it’s the 6-foot-5 ginger with a mean streak. McVay also could get ample use out of rookie tight end Max Klare, the second-round pick out of Ohio State who excelled in pass-catching situations at Ohio State.
#############
DOLPHINS ENTER NEW ERA WITH HAFLEY, SULLIVAN AND A ROSTER FULL OF NEW FACES
MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-10)
Expectations
Few know what to expect from the Miami Dolphins this season, and for good reason: This is a team made up of newcomers at nearly every level. After firing longtime general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins initiated an organizational reset, hiring a first-time GM in Jon-Eric Sullivan and first-time coach in Jeff Hafley. The duo from Green Bay brought in former Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis to lead a team short on experienced playmakers following the departure of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Hafley wants his team to be built around physicality and discipline, but has said it will take time for the new-look Dolphins’ identity to fully take shape. It remains to be seen how soon the vision and ambition of Hafley and Sullivan will translate to wins.
New Faces
Sullivan, Hafley, Willis, WR Caleb Douglas, QB Kyle McCord, LB Josh Uche, OT Caedan Wallace, OG Kadyn Proctor, WR Jalen Tolbert, WR Chris Bell, LB Jacob Rodriguez.
Key Losses
Grier, McDaniel, Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle, QB Quinn Ewers, LB Tyrel Dodson, TE Darren Waller, LB Bradley Chubb, K Jason Sanders, FB Alec Ingold, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB Rasul Douglas, QB Zach Wilson.
Strengths
Running back De’Von Achane signed a big contract extension in the offseason after rushing for a career-high 1,350 yards last season, and the Dolphins are expected to lean on the shifty, speedy running back as the centerpiece of their offense. Achane’s explosiveness has been on display throughout training camp, and he could be poised for another strong season behind Miami’s offensive line, which will return veteran center Aaron Brewer — a finalist for the 2025 Protector of the Year award who also earned a big offseason payday — left tackle Patrick Paul and right tackle Austin Jackson. Jonah Savaiinaea has had a strong camp after moving from left guard — where he struggled in his rookie season — to his natural position on the right side. And Miami drafted 6-foot-6 guard Kadyn Proctor to bolster the left side of the line.
Weaknesses
The Dolphins are short on experienced playmakers at receiver and in their secondary. They don’t have a proven No. 1 receiver as they did in years past, but that’s not necessarily new territory for Sullivan and Hafley, who came from a Packers team that also lacked a true No. 1 receiver. The hope is that someone emerges as a reliable target for Willis as the season progresses. Two rookies in Douglas and Bell will likely have significant roles, along with contributions from third-year receiver Malik Washington and veteran Jalen Tolbert. The safety position has been one of the biggest areas of concerns for Miami, with few proven starters and injuries that became an issue during camp.
Camp development
Douglas emerged as a potential top target for Willis after impressing in training camp and making his preseason debut with an impressive one-handed grab against Washington. The third-round pick received praise from his teammates and coaches, though it remains to be seen how his production will look in the regular season. Another standout was edge rusher Chop Robinson, who entered camp with several pounds of added muscle — which appears to have worked as the third-year edge rusher has consistently won at the line of scrimmage to hound Miami’s quarterbacks during team drills. Hafley said in the spring he wants to see Robinson develop into a complete player in his third season — one that can be disruptive against the run and pass — and the former Penn State linebacker appears on his way there. After poor preseason play from their backups, the Dolphins cleaned house in their quarterback room. They released Mark Gronowski and Cam Miller, traded Ewers to Jacksonville and added former Packers quarterback McCord to back up Willis.
Fantasy player to watch
Hafley recently joked that Achane may have games where he touches the ball 40-plus times this season. Achane might not get that many touches, but it is expected that he’ll have a heavy workload. He had the ninth-most touches in the NFL last season.
##############
CHARGERS MUST OVERCOME ANOTHER EARLY BLOW TO O-LINE IN PURSUIT OF 1ST PLAYOFF WIN UNDER JIM HARBAUGH
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (11-6)
Expectations
The Chargers are coming off back-to-back 11 win years, but they’re under pressure to translate regular-season success into a playoff run. Coach Jim Harbaugh, in his third season, and quarterback Justin Herbert, in his sixth, are still seeking that elusive first victory. Dare they dream to be playing in Super Bowl LXI at their SoFi Stadium home? The health of the offensive line will be paramount, just as it has been in recent years. They’ve already lost veteran center Tyler Biadasz to a season-ending knee injury after using $30 million of their significant cap space to sign him from the Washington Commanders. Getting Pro Bowl tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back healthy is huge for the O-line.
New faces
OC Mike McDaniel, DC Chris O’Leary, Biadasz, CB Donte Jackson, C Jake Slaughter, OL Akheem Mesidor, TE David Njoku, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, RB Keaton Mitchell, G Cole Strange, G Kayode Awosika, TE Charlie Kolar, FB Alec Ingold, C Jacob Spomer.
Key losses
OLB Odafe Oweh, WR Keenan Allen, RB Najee Harris, C Bradley Bozeman, G Mekhi Becton, DE Da’Shawn Hand, G Zion Johnson, CB Benjamin St-Juste.
Strengths
McDaniel, the former Miami Dolphins coach, has the talent to revamp a struggling running game and better protect Herbert, who endured a league-high in total pressures last season. Herbert led the league’s only offensive unit that had four players each with 40 receptions, 600 yards receiving and three TD catches last year. The offense gets an immediate boost with the return of a healthy RB Omarion Hampton and Alt, who missed a combined 19 games last season. Coach Chris O’Leary takes over one of the league’s top defenses and although he has just one year of NFL experience, there should be little tinkering given he’s a pupil of former DC Jesse Minter. The defensive line is led by Teair Tart, who’s coming off a breakout season, and expectations are high for Tomlinson, who started all 17 games for Arizona last season.
Weaknesses
The offensive line was dealt a major blow when Biadasz got hurt during a joint camp practice with the San Francisco 49ers. The newcomer was expected to fill a huge hole. Now, it’ll be up to rookie Slaughter, who played center at Florida before the Chargers initially had him at guard during camp. It’s the second straight season the O-line took an early hit; last year, Pro Bowl tackles Rashawn Slater and Alt fell to season-ending injuries. The pass rush lost Oweh, who left as a free agent, and 35-year-old Khalil Mack is fighting Father Time in his 13th season. C Cam Hart is looking for a revival after a second-season slump.
Camp development
LB Tuli Tuipulotu sat out of team drills as training camp began due to contract negotiations for an extension before returning to practice. He said he’ll play the season without a new deal. The defense looked fast and physical under O’Leary, who sometimes had to dial back the aggressive intensity to keep everyone healthy. Slaughter’s move to center created a gap at left tackle, and Awosika moved into the leading candidate for the job.
Fantasy player to watch
Hampton will be the starting running back heading into the opener and he’ll be looking for a breakout season under McDaniel. With a team built to run the ball, Hampton is poised to post big numbers while juggling a heavy workload. His rookie season was interrupted by ankle injuries that limited him to 10 games. Still, the 6-foot, 220-pounder flashed his potential with five touchdowns in 156 touches and gained 737 yards from scrimmage.
#############
COWBOYS BELIEVE THEY HAVE IMPROVED ON DEFENSE ENOUGH TO GET BACK TO THE PLAYOFFS WITH DAK PRESCOTT
DALLAS COWBOYS (7-9-1)
Expectations
It has been 13 years since the Cowboys missed the playoffs at least three consecutive seasons and more than 20 years since they had three losing records in a row. The expectation is that Dallas has done enough to end its recent slide by improving one of the NFL’s worst defenses enough to complement Dak Prescott’s potent offense. Brian Schottenheimer enters his second season as coach and offensive play caller with the same tools he had a year ago. Prescott had one of his best seasons with star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, a productive running back in Javonte Williams and a tight end the Cowboys believe is still waiting on a breakout season in Jake Ferguson. Dallas brought in 34-year-old Christian Parker to replace Matt Eberflus, who lasted just one ugly season as defensive coordinator. The personnel at Parker’s disposal is significantly better, and he doesn’t have to worry about the Cowboys trading one of the league’s best defensive players. They did that a week before the season last year when they shipped disgruntled edge rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay, essentially setting up the epic failure that the defense became.
New faces
Edge Von Miller, S Caleb Downs, edge Malachi Lawrence, edge Rashan Gary, LB Jaishawn Barham, QB Sam Howell, S P.J. Locke, CB Cobie Durant, S Jalen Thompson, LB Dee Winters.
Key losses
CB Trevon Diggs, DT Osa Odighizuwa, S Donovan Wilson, special teamer C.J. Goodwin, LB Kenneth Murray, edge Jadeveon Clowney, edge Dante Fowler, CB Kaiir Elam.
Strengths
Prescott was a top-five quarterback by just about any measure last season, which helped Pickens have a breakout year coming off a trade triggered by a tumultuous start to his career in Pittsburgh. Pickens and Lamb are among the best duos in the game, which makes life easier for the third, fourth and fifth guys in the room. There could be an undrafted rookie among them in Camden Brown, who had a standout preseason. Williams’ arrival helped the Cowboys go from last in the NFL in rushing TDs in 2024 to the middle of the pack. Williams had 11 touchdowns, matching the total from his first four seasons combined in Denver. The interior of the defensive line, led by Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, could help Dallas be much better against the run. The Cowboys have struggled to stop the run for years, and they point to that as a reason they haven’t even reached an NFC championship game in 31 years.
Weaknesses
Until it proves otherwise, Dallas’ defense is known for having trouble getting off the field on third down or creating turnovers. The Cowboys were last in the NFL in third-down defense a year ago. Dallas gave up the most points (511) with the fewest interceptions (six) in franchise history. Logic says many of those numbers will improve with two first-round draft picks in Downs and Lawrence and the additions through trades or free agency of safeties Locke and Thompson and edge rushers Gary and Miller, a two-time Super Bowl champ who is joining his hometown team at 37. Durant was the NFL postseason leader with three interceptions last season for the Rams. The offensive line could end up being leaky if right tackle Terence Steele can’t find the form of his first few seasons or left tackle Tyler Guyton doesn’t progress as expected in his third season.
Camp development
Barham, a third-round pick, was among a handful of preseason standouts and could force his way into the lineup as a rookie even after Dallas traded for Winters believing a veteran was the anchor needed for a young group of linebackers. Barham, who went to Michigan, has shown great instincts at a position that has been a weakness for the Cowboys in recent years.
Fantasy player to watch
Pickens is coming off career highs in catches (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine). At his playmaking best, Pickens is unmatched on the Dallas roster, and now he’s playing for a big second contract. The former Georgia standout decided to accept the $27.3 million franchise tag without making a fuss, and the Cowboys won’t have a choice but to give him a long-term contract if he equals or surpasses his 2025 production.
##############
FALCONS GM CUNNINGHAM CALLS DECISION TO KEEP 4 QBS ‘A LITTLE BIT OF AN INSURANCE POLICY’
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said Wednesday the decision to open the season with four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster was “a little bit of an insurance policy.”
The injury histories and performances of the top two quarterbacks, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, made that necessary for the Falcons, who open the season at Pittsburgh on Sept. 13.
The Falcons haven’t announced a starting quarterback and also have Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand on their 53-man roster at the position. When Tagovailoa was slowed at the start of training camp by lower back tightness, the Falcons signed Rush and Strand had an unexpected opportunity to work with the first-team offense.
“What it did show, it wasn’t too big for him, you know, to come in and do what he did early on,” Cunningham said of Strand before adding the rookie from Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead “showed the ability to just progress and get better ever since.”
Penix did not play in a preseason game as he continued his recovery from a left knee injury which ended his 2025 season. He was cleared to join team drills for the first time last week but was held out of the Falcons’ final preseason game at Miami on Friday night.
Tagovailoa, who has a history of concussions, led a touchdown drive but lost a fumbled snap in Atlanta’s 17-12 win over the Dolphins. It was Tagovailoa’s second fumbled snap in three preseason games — one from the shotgun and one under center.
The turnovers by Tagovailoa may have played a role in Falcons first-year coach Kevin Stefanski waiting to select a regular-season starter. The return to Miami last week provided a reminder that Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of his sixth season with the Dolphins last season after he set a career high with 15 interceptions.
Cunningham confirmed on Wednesday there has been no decision on a starter.
The Falcons were 3-6 in Penix’s nine starts last season as he completed 60.1% of his passes with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. In two seasons, the 2024 first-round draft pick has 12 touchdown passes with six interceptions.
If Penix starts at Pittsburgh, plays well and shows he is fully recovered from his injury, the Falcons could adjust their 53-man roster and proceed with three quarterbacks.
The decision to carry four quarterbacks left the team with only Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson at running back. Tyler Goodson is on the 16-player practice squad as the third running back.
“I feel like that’s a little bit of the roster gymnastics, right?” Cunningham said. “It’s four quarterbacks and two running backs. You have to sacrifice at some position. … And it will probably change throughout the season. Just because we start with this 53 now, it may not be the same 53 that it is, you know, Week 18.”
One of the Falcons’ most surprising roster cuts, defensive lineman Zach Harrison, was re-signed to the practice squad on Wednesday. The Falcons also signed defensive end Khalid Kareem and defensive back Jammie Robinson to the practice squad and released defensive back Cobee Bryant and defensive end Cam Sample.
#############
WIDE RECEIVER DOHNTE MEYERS GOES FROM CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE TO THE BENGALS ROSTER
CINCINNATI (AP) — Last year, wide receiver Dohnte Meyers was just hoping to get established in the Canadian Football League.
Now, he’s on the Cincinnati Bengals’ 53-man roster to start the regular season.
“He has earned his way, that is for sure,” coach Zac Taylor said. “He just continued to make plays over and over again. We weren’t dialing stuff up for him. That is how you make it, really. When the opportunity comes your way, you have to make the most of it.”
Meyers started his career at FCS Presbyterian College on an academic scholarship. After having success at that level, he transferred to Division II Delta State University. Meyers did enough at Delta State to earn an invite to Atlanta Falcons rookie camp in 2023, but that was only three days and a few reps here and there. He couldn’t get his foot back in the door in the NFL at the time, so he went to every workout for every league he could find.
Meyers ended up paying his way to work out in the Canadian Football League.
“I wanted to do any opportunity available for me and let the chips fall where they may,” Meyers said. “Do every workout available and go from there.”
Meyers broke out with Saskatchewan in 2025, getting the attention of the Bengals. He had 65 receptions for 1,056 yards and eight touchdowns as the Roughriders won the Grey Cup title.
He signed with Cincinnati in January in a transaction that didn’t receive much attention. He opened offseason workouts near the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart.
Day by day, Meyers worked his way up and made plays. He showed enough to earn a spot on the Bengals.
“He has shown with the ball in his hands he can be really good,” Taylor said. “He can create separation and he has a good feel. I have been really pleased with the camp he has had, and we will just continue to figure out how that works into our game plan as we go forward.”
Meyers doesn’t consider himself a rookie. He has multiple years of pro experience in the CFL, and has felt that experience prepared him for the opportunity he has now.
“It’s something I’m accustomed to, being a pro for two years,” Meyers said. “How we do things here is different. There’s a different level or preparation and intent.”
As well as he played in training camp and the preseason, Meyers had to go through the stress of cutdown day on Sunday. He learned that he had made the team in a phone call with receivers coach Troy Walters.
“I was trying to just stay grounded,” Meyers said. “I was trying to relax. Not get too anxious. Be present and take in every moment.”
He says that his journey is just getting started. Meyers is on the team, but now he’s out to prove that he’s ready for more snaps, more targets and a bigger role on a team with one of the best receiver groups in the NFL.
“We will continue to see where we can utilize him in the return game,” Taylor said. “We will continue to see where we can utilize him as a receiver. It is a tough lineup to crack.”
#############
LIONS HOPEFUL KERBY JOSEPH, BRIAN BRANCH, ISIAH PACHECO WILL RETURN FROM INJURIES TO PLAY THIS YEAR
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is hopeful standout safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch along with backup running back Isiah Pacheco will be healthy enough to play this season.
Holmes said on Wednesday that he did not want to share a timetable for each player’s potential return.
Joseph played in just six games last season with a knee injury that has lingered and limited him to working out with the team’s training staff this summer. He was All-Pro in 2024 and signed an $86 million, four-year deal before the 2025 season that makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid safeties.
Branch tore his left Achilles tendon last December and like Joseph, he works out with trainers while the team practices. He finished fifth in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 and earned Pro Bowl recognition in his second season.
Pacheco was put on injured reserve Tuesday with a back injury, which added to a sprained knee ligament that he was also recovering from during training camp.
Detroit opens the season at home on Sept. 13 against New Orleans.
The Lions signed Pacheco to a $1.81 million, one-year contract as a free agent, planning for him back up three-time Pro Bowl running back Jahmyr Gibbs after trading veteran David Montgomery to Houston.
Pacheco accounted for more than 3,000 yards of offense and scored 17 touchdowns over the previous three seasons and started in seven playoff games for the Kansas City Chiefs, helping them win two Super Bowls. Injuries limited him to 20 regular season games the last two years.
#####################################################
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
COURT DENIES NCAA MOTION, RULES MISSOURI DT STERLING WEBB ELIGIBLE
Defensive tackle Sterling Webb is eligible to play for Missouri after a judge denied the NCAA’s motion to dismiss a temporary restraining order on Wednesday.
Webb started eight games for Missouri last season and three in 2024 after playing two seasons at New Mexico State.
Webb was granted an additional year of college eligibility last week after suing the NCAA over a new rule in place granting college athletes five years of eligibility in five years. A 2022 high school graduate, Webb was excluded from the transition group.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz welcomed Webb back to practice in July while the courtroom drama played out, saying he accepted Webb was “doing what he thinks is best for him.”
No. 25 Missouri begins the season on Thursday against visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Drinkwitz didn’t commit to playing Webb after easing him into practices.
Drinkwitz learned of the decision made by a judge in St. Louis County, Missouri, during the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday.
“I’m just trying to figure out who’s eligible for our games — tomorrow,” Drinkwitz said.
###############
OHIO STATE TOPS GROUP OF FOUR NATIONAL TITLE FAVORITES
Ohio State is a slight favorite to win the national championship ahead of the first full week of regular-season action in the 2026 college football season.
The Buckeyes are being offered at +600 to win the College Football Playoff at BetMGM, where they are followed closely by Notre Dame, Oregon and Texas each at +650. Next is defending national champion Indiana at +800.
Notre Dame has been by far the most popular choice, drawing 18.5% of all national champion wagers placed, making the Fighting Irish the book’s biggest liability. Texas has been backed by 30.4% of the total money wagered, followed by Notre Dame with 18.1% and Ohio State with 9.8%.
Oklahoma is the book’s second-biggest liability, having been backed by 3.0% of the bets and 2.3% of the money at +3000. The third-biggest liability is Oregon, with the Ducks drawing 10.2% and 10.5%, respectively, while seeing their odds shorten from +800 just last week.
“There is a clear tier of favorites to win the College Football National Championship including Notre Dame, Texas, Ohio State and Georgia,” BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee said. “All are popular with bettors, but Notre Dame is the most bet and biggest liability for the sportsbook. Ohio State is the best outcome for the book among the betting favorites.”
Ohio State and Notre Dame are co-+600 favorites at DraftKings, followed by Texas (+650), Oregon (+750), Georgia (+850) and Indiana (+900).
NATIONAL CHAMPION ODDS*
Team (Odds)
Ohio State (+600)
Notre Dame (+650)
Oregon (+650)
Texas (+650)
Indiana (+800)
Georgia (+900)
Miami (FL) (+1100)
Texas A&M (+1500)
Alabama (+1600)
LSU (+1600)
Texas Tech (+2200)
Michigan (+2500)
Ole Miss (+2500)
Oklahoma (+3000)
USC (+3000)
Clemson (+5000)
Penn State (+5000)
Tennessee (+5000)
Florida (+6000)
Oklahoma State (+6000)
Auburn (+6600)
BYU (+8000)
Missouri (+8000)
Utah (+8000)
Florida State (+10000)
Iowa State (+10000)
Louisville (+10000)
Vanderbilt (+10000)
South Carolina (+12500)
Arizona State (+15000)
Iowa (+15000)
Pittsburgh (+15000)
SMU (+15000)
Washington (+15000)
Duke (+20000)
Georgia Tech (+20000)
Kansas State (+20000)
Mississippi State (+20000)
Nebraska (+20000)
Arkansas (+25000)
Baylor (+25000)
Boise State (+25000)
Cincinnati (+25000)
Houston (+25000)
Kentucky (+25000)
Maryland (+25000)
Tulane (+25000)
Virginia Tech (+25000)
TCU (+30000)
UCF (+30000)
Virginia (+30000)
Wisconsin (+30000)
Arizona (+40000)
Colorado (+50000)
James Madison (+50000)
NC State (+50000)
North Texas (+50000)
South Florida (+50000)
Wake Forest (+50000)
Michigan State (+75000)
Purdue (+100000)
UConn (+300000)
*BetMGM
###############
OUR TOP HEISMAN TROPHY CANDIDATE IN EVERY FBS CONFERENCE
(FIELD LEVEL MEDIA REPORT)
No individual award in major American sports invokes more nostalgia than the Heisman Trophy. Beyond recognizing the best player in college football — OK, let’s be honest: the best skill-position player in college football – the Heisman captures the essence of a season.
Name a year in recent memory, and the story of the season is often reflected in the Heisman recipient: Johnny Manziel introducing the spread-offense revolution to the Southeastern Conference in 2012. Ricky Williams sending Texas on the road back to greatness in 1998. Cam Newton willing Auburn to a national championship in 2010.
Because the Heisman embodies a spirit as much as it does quantifiable performance, there’s no scientific formula for pinpointing a Heisman challenger.
But there are consistent rules that set the framework.
Skill-position players, and especially quarterbacks, have an advantage. Starring for nationally ranked teams helps, with Paul Hornung as a notable exception; bonus points for contending for the national championship.
In the modern era, representing a program in a power conference is a virtual must. Ashton Jeanty of Boise State finishing second in the 2024 Heisman reinforced this very point.
We’re stretching the typical field to include one player from every FBS conference who could meet enough of the criteria to enter the 2026 Heisman Trophy race.
–Power 4
Atlantic Coast Conference: QB Darian Mensah, Miami
Mensah is Miami’s third high-profile transfer at the quarterback position in three seasons, following in the footsteps of Heisman finalist Cam Ward and Carson Beck. Beck arrived from Georgia to guide Miami to the national championship game last season.
Mensah led the conference in passing yards with nearly 4,000 for Duke in 2025 and an ACC-best 34 touchdowns. More of the same for the Hurricanes should put Mensah firmly in the Heisman race.
Big 12: QB Noah Fifita, Arizona
Overshadowed in preseason hype by a player who won’t play a snap in the Big 12 this season — Brendan Sorsby – the Big 12 still features a class of quarterbacks capable of joining the national conversation. Utah’s Devon Dampier and BYU’s Bear Bachmeier are known to league followers. And if he leads a 180-degree turnaround at Oklahoma State, Drew Mestemaker can be that guy.
Fifita is part of that fraternity and the most experienced among them. Fifita enters his fourth year as Arizona’s starting QB after totaling more than 9,400 yards (passing and rushing) and 73 touchdowns passes in his career. He also has one rushing TD.
Big Ten: QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Ohio State quarterbacks have contended for the Heisman repeatedly in the last decade, but it’s been 20 years since a Buckeye (Troy Smith) hoisted the hardware. California native and Alabama transfer Julian Sayin could end the drought.
Sayin made a splash in his debut as a starter, going his first five Big Ten games without an interception. With a year of experience and perhaps the best WR corps in college football catching passes, Sayin should surpass his output from 2025. It won’t hurt that Ohio State opens the season ranked No. 1.
Independent: Notre Dame: CJ Carr, quarterback
Young Notre Dame quarterbacks are no strangers to expectations. Jimmy Clausen famously rolled up to the 2006 Fighting Irish spring game in a limo to announce his commitment before his career played out more like a rented Ford Taurus. The late, great Beano Cook was a terrific media personality, but will be remembered forever for declaring Ron Powlus would win two Heismans while at Notre Dame.
Carr heads into 2026 bearing the weight of expectations, but with a key differentiator: He already has validated the hype. Should he build on the 24 TD passes and 10-game winning streak he piloted as a first-year starter and return the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff, Carr is a shoo-in Heisman finalist.
SEC: QB Arch Manning, Texas
In 2025, Manning was a preseason Heisman betting favorite, labeled as a bust in at least one prominent national media outlet, then finished the season with a stretch of games that brought signs he could live up to his last name.
The chatter seemed to settle in the 2026 offseason. Manning’s anointment may prove to have been premature, not misguided, if Texas can handle the gauntlet that is the SEC schedule and a Week 2 matchup with Ohio State.
–Group of Six
Since the Group of Six conferences last produced a Heisman Trophy winner in 1990 — Ty Detmer at BYU — the following stars need the universe to align perfectly to even reach New York’s finalists ceremony.
American: RB Jahiem White, North Texas
At West Virginia, White twice flirted with a 1,000-yard season. Reunited with former Mountaineers coach Neal Brown, he’s the likely centerpiece of the North Texas offense.
CUSA: QB Nick Minicucci, Delaware
Delaware made the jump from FCS to FBS and Minicucci helped ease the transition with 3,683 passing yards, 23 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns. Operating in an explosive offense, the dual-threat Minicucci should be CUSA’s most electric offensive player.
MAC: QB Broc Lowry, Western Michigan
Imagine a world in which back-to-back Heisman winners played at Indiana. Unlikely as it is, Lowry, a former Hoosier, gives the MAC a puncher’s chance. MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2025, Lowry could put up stellar numbers in a run-heavy scheme.
Mountain West: RB Myles Mitchell, North Dakota State
New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne is sidelined for all of 2026 after his strong 2025, and Hawai’i quarterback Micah Alejado is unlikely to join the list after a loss to Stanford in Week 0. FBS newcomer North Dakota State has produced household names before. The Bison’s always-stout offensive line will give Mitchell, a freshman, no shortage of rushing lanes and isn’t shy about huge workloads.
Pac-12: RB Lucky Sutton, San Diego State
Sure it’s a new Pac-12, but San Diego State has the familiar formula with its reliance on a standout running back. From Marshall Faulk — a Heisman finalist in 1992 — to Rashaad Penny (a deserving Heisman finalist snubbed in 2017), the Aztecs have produced plenty of sensational ballcarriers.
Sutton had almost 1,300 rushing yards in 2025 and is capable of more.
Sun Belt: QB Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, Marshall
Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwich and Rakeem Cato made noise with the Thundering Herd, and Del Rio-Wilson is the latest Marshall quarterback capable of catching lighting in a bottle. A transfer from Syracuse, he passed for 17 TDs and scored six on the ground in his first season with Marshall in 2025.
Del Rio-Wilson has the potential to be a 3,000/1,000 quarterback, which translates to “award worthy” no matter the conference.
################
HEAT CHECK: SHANE BEAMER, LUKE FICKELL, LINCOLN RILEY START 2026 SEASON ON THIN ICE
The college football season is underway and multiple coaches already feel warmth under their seats.
Job security often is in short supply in the current era, and being upset by a lesser school or getting routed by a bitter rival can send a coach from seemingly secure to images of moving vans.
Among the coaches who moved from the hot seat to ejected during the 2025 season were the men running the show at Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma State, Penn State, UCLA and Virginia Tech.
It stands to reason that at least a few coaches will be shown the door during the 2026 season.
Perhaps the coach on the most slippery slope is Florida State’s Mike Norvell (39-34 in six seasons, plus one 2026 game).
Norvell went 10-3 in his third season with the Seminoles in 2022 and followed up with a 13-1 campaign in which his program received a raw deal from the then four-team playoff committee.
He then bottomed out at 2-10 in 2024. Last season, Florida State started with three wins before collapsing and finished 5-7. So it’s no surprise to see Norvell firmly on the hotter than lava seat.
Florida State beat New Mexico State 34-17 in its opener last weekend but real challenges come later this month with consecutive games against SMU and Alabama. In October, back-to-back games against Louisville and Miami occur prior to a bye week.
If Florida State is below .500 after that stretch, Norvell may be receiving that pink slip. But if the Seminoles are 4-3, they will enter the lighter portion of the schedule with momentum and Norvell will have a chance to save his job.
South Carolina’s Shane Beamer had the escape hatch for the taking last season with the Virginia Tech job open — he was an assistant under his famed father with the Hokies — but he didn’t pursue the gig and remained with the Gamecocks. This despite going 1-7 in SEC play last season as part of a 4-8 campaign.
Beamer (33-30 in five seasons) should get off to a 3-0 start this season before things could unravel. A road game against Alabama is troublesome but more dicey is a three-game stretch of host Tennessee, at Oklahoma and host Texas A&M.
A November home game against Georgia could prove to be the see-you-later game.
Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell (16-21 in three seasons) somehow made it through last season when the Badgers went 4-8 overall and 2-8 in Big Ten play. Wisconsin scored 14 or fewer points in nine of its 10 conference games.
Hard to expect much better results in 2026. The opener against Notre Dame on Sunday at Green Bay could be telling – and that might not be in a good way.
The conference slate is highly favorable in that Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon and Michigan aren’t on it. That means another eight-loss conference slate will certainly end the Fickell era.
Having six Super Bowl rings as an NFL head coach is impressive but that has nothing to do with college football. And Bill Belichick’s first season (4-8, 2-6) at North Carolina didn’t offer much optimism that he will be anything but an average ACC coach.
The Tar Heels opened with a lethargic 15-10 victory over TCU in Ireland last weekend. The third game of the season, at Clemson, will be a telling sign whether North Carolina has improved.
Home games against Miami and Louisville are on the slate. If Belichick finishes below .500, somebody in North Carolina’s upper administration needs to ask whether a 74-year-old coach can be a program builder.
Southern California’s Lincoln Riley (36-18, four seasons plus one game) could join this list with a substandard season. Riley is paid a ton of money and has huge resources but the reputation as a consistent playoff contender was left behind at Oklahoma, where he inherited an elite program.
USC beat San Jose State 42-26 last weekend. The Big Ten slate is tough and includes home games against Ohio State, Oregon and Washington and road games against Indiana and Penn State.
It might be the prime time to ask about Colorado’s Deion Sanders.
His star dimmed considerably with a 3-9 mark last season (1-8 in Big 12 play) and he’s just 16-21 over three seasons despite having a nine-win campaign on the resume. Get routed by Texas Tech in early October and he could join the list.
Others with warm seats who could land in trouble: Baylor’s Dave Aranda (36-37 in six seasons), Maryland’s Mike Locksley (37-49 in eight seasons), North Carolina State’s Dave Doeren (95-71 in 14 seasons) and Middle Tennessee’s Derek Mason (6-18 in two seasons).
##############
DEPTH, TROPHY CASE DEFINE BIG TEN AS COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S BULLIES IN 2026
COLUMBUS, Ohio — There was a time a half century ago when Ohio State and Michigan under the leadership of legendary coaches Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, respectively, left the rest of the Big Ten in their dust.
With that, the conference earned the derisive moniker the “Big Two and the Little Eight.”
Times have changed.
The Big Ten is now 18 teams stretching from coast-to-coast. There is still a top tier. But now it’s three teams with Ohio State the lone constant from yesteryear.
The Buckeyes, Indiana and Oregon are not only competing for a Big Ten title but are serious contenders for the College Football Playoff championship.
In the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll, Ohio State is first, Oregon second and defending national champion Indiana sixth among the eight ranked Big Ten teams. It’s no surprise considering the trio place high in most rankings for recruiting, success in the transfer portal and team valuation based on name, image and likeness (NIL).
Yet, unlike the Woody and Bo era and the perceived “Little” ones behind them, the Big Ten has strength in numbers at the top with the likes of Michigan, Penn State, USC and Washington hoping to earn spots in the 12-team playoff.
The Wolverines started the Big Ten’s run of three straight national champions in 2023. Ohio State and Indiana, followed, causing Oregon coach Dan Lanning to take a light jab at the SEC when asked how the conferences should be compared.
“They’re both great conferences, great leagues,” he said. “At the end of the day there’s hardware that you hope is sitting in your conference when all is said and done and the Big Ten has been able to do that the last few years.”
Lanning, who has SEC roots at Georgia, hopes the Ducks are next in line considering they have the second-best winning percentage in FBS the past two seasons with a 26-3 record (.897) to trail Indiana (27-2, .931) but ahead of third-place Ohio State (26-4, .867).
“Obviously, Indiana had an unbelievable team last year,” Lanning said. “I think everybody that played them got to see that, and certainly everybody that watched. And then Ohio State the year before.
“So, I’m excited about this group. It’s a different level of experience that we have going into this year with this group and a different coaching group as well, so should be a lot of fun.”
Indiana, Ohio State and Oregon made the playoffs in 2024 and 2025 and should again this season. The league has a 22-9 postseason record the past two seasons, including 8-2 against the SEC.
“When we line up to play our regular seasons and then when we send our teams out to go play for national championships, we can actually say that we’re in a good spot, it’s fair, and we have a great shot to win,” Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said.
It’s a combination of factors. According to NILstandard.com, Oregon is second nationally behind Texas ($49.3 million) with a roster value of $43.4 million. Ohio State is fourth ($39.3). The next Big Ten schools are USC ($35.2) in sixth and Indiana in 10th ($33.1).
The Buckeyes and Ducks were near the top of the 247Sports’ composite recruiting rankings for 2026, although USC was the national leader. Oregon was third and the Buckeyes fourth.
Indiana, 22nd in recruiting, subtracted Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But the Hoosiers reloaded with an eighth-place finish in the 247Sports national rankings for 2026, a spot behind Ohio State. Penn State topped the conference at No. 4 while Oregon checked in at No. 21.
All of which makes it tough for any Big Ten program to crack the top three of the Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Ducks.
“When you go to 18 teams and you add the four teams we added from the West Coast (Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington), we added championship-level teams, so the competition is at an all-time high,” Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald said.
##############
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS: LOOK FOR LOTS OF BLOWOUTS, AS USUAL, AS SEASON BEGINS IN EARNEST
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
For all the changes happening in college football nowadays, one thing remains the same: Week 1 blowouts.
There should be a bunch of them when the season hits full stride with Labor Day weekend games scheduled Thursday through Monday.
The average predicted point spread is 26 points for the 18 games involving Top 25 teams and fellow Bowl Subdivision members. Seven teams are favored to win by at least four touchdowns and only two by fewer than 10 points.
There are 48 games matching Championship Subdivision teams against the FBS, with six involving Top 25 teams.
The picks for the FBS vs. FBS games, with Associated Press Top 25 rankings and betting lines, with all games Saturday unless noted:
BALL STATE (PLUS 50 1/2) AT NO. 1 OHIO STATE
Ohio State is flip-flopping tradition and holding its senior day ceremony before the opener. Former star RB Maurice Clarett will be the pregame victory bell ringer and then the Buckeyes will do what they’re supposed to do against a team like Ball State. Starters will have a short day with a showdown at No. 5 Texas on deck.
Pick: Ohio State 56-7.
BOISE STATE (PLUS 24 1/2) AT NO. 2 OREGON
Oregon needed a last-second field goal to win the last time these teams met, and there are always kinks to work out in an opener even for a star-studded cast. The Broncos have a three-year starter in QB Maddux Madsen and a run game that can control the ball, though that’s a big ask against maybe the best defensive front in the nation.
Pick: Oregon 42-21.
WISCONSIN VS. NO. 4 NOTRE DAME (MINUS 20 1/2) IN GREEN BAY
Notre Dame is a team on a mission after getting left out of the College Football Playoff, and Heisman Trophy co-favorite CJ Carr should flourish on the big stage Sunday night against a defense that has a work-in-progress pass rush and a rebuilding secondary.
Pick: Notre Dame 33-10.
TEXAS STATE AT NO. 5 TEXAS (MINUS 29 1/2)
Arch Manning should feast on a defense that struggled against the best offenses in the Sun Belt last year. The Bobcats’ up-tempo offense featuring record-setting QB Brad Jackson and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers should give returning Longhorns defensive coordinator Will Muschamp some things to think about.
Pick: Texas 52-21.
NORTH TEXAS AT NO. 6 INDIANA (MINUS 40 1/2)
The Hoosiers’ national title defense, and first game for Fernando Mendoza successor Josh Hoover, comes against a rebuilding Mean Green program that was in contention for a playoff spot last year. North Texas has no returning starters on defense; its QB, Tayven Jackson, played two years at Indiana.
Pick: Indiana 63-10.
NO. 7 MIAMI (MINUS 24) AT STANFORD
The Hurricanes are doing all they can to avoid the pitfalls of playing 3,000 miles from home, flying to California on Tuesday to help them acclimate for Friday night’s game. Stage is set for WR Malachi Toney to take over, especially with new QB Darian Mensah delivering the ball. Stanford is confident after holding off Hawaii, but the ‘Canes are a different problem to solve.
Pick: Miami 42-17.
MISSOURI STATE AT NO. 8 TEXAS A&M (MINUS 41)
QB Marcel Reed and other returning players are expected to take the Aggies back to the playoff. Bears have a new coach in ex-SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods and are picked seventh in Conference USA in their second FBS season.
Pick: Texas A&M 55-6.
NO. 24 LOUISVILLE VS. NO. 9 MISSISSIPPI (MINUS 7) IN NASHVILLE
QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy are back after leading Mississippi on a run to the CFP semifinals. Ohio State transfer QB Lincoln Kienholz will start Sunday night for Cardinals, who have upset two top-10 teams and an 11th-ranked team in Jeff Brohm’s first three seasons.
Pick: Mississippi 31-21.
UTEP AT NO. 10 OKLAHOMA (MINUS 41 1/2)
Sooners QB John Mateer and the rest of the starters should have a short night Friday in the tune-up for next week’s trip to No. 16 Michigan. Miners are 5-19 in two seasons under Scotty Walden and have scored more than 10 points in only two of 12 games against power-conference opponents the last 10 years.
Pick: Oklahoma 49-3.
CLEMSON AT NO. 11 LSU (MINUS 10)
Lots of talk about eligibility issues leading up to this one from Dabo Swinney and Lane Kiffin. As for the football part, Kiffin’s well-paid roster holds the talent advantage. Clemson QB Christopher Vizzina has unenviable task of making his second career start in LSU’s version of Death Valley.
Pick: LSU 28-17.
EAST CAROLINA (PLUS 28 1/2) AT NO. 13 ALABAMA
Alabama’s priority on offense is to revive a woeful running game. Keelon Russell, the Tide’s No. 3 QB last year, is now the starter and the offensive line has four new starters. The difference-maker could be five-star freshman RB EJ Crowell.
Pick: Alabama 38-14.
FRESNO STATE (PLUS 21 1/2) AT NO. 14 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Trojans took their foot off the gas in the second half against San Jose State. That won’t happen Friday night against Fresno State, which has designs on earning the Group of Six playoff bid.
Pick: USC 35-14.
WESTERN MICHIGAN (PLUS 27 1/2) AT NO. 16 MICHIGAN
The Wolverines better not look ahead to Oklahoma in coach Kyle Whittingham’s debut. Western Michigan is the defending MAC champion and favored to repeat. Wolverines have a wide physical advantage, but makeup of the offensive line is unsettled and QB Bryce Underwood hasn’t run Jason Beck’s offense in a game.
Pick: Michigan 44-21.
WASHINGTON STATE AT NO. 17 WASHINGTON (MINUS 23 1/2)
Washington is a team on the rise in the Big Ten, especially with the return of QB Demond Williams. Kirby Moore, little brother of New York Giants coach Kellen Moore, starts his Washington State tenure with this unusual Apple Cup coming on the Sunday before Labor Day.
Pick: Washington 49-10.
MARSHALL AT NO. 18 PENN STATE (MINUS 24 1/2)
The Matt Campbell era begins at Penn State, and he’s brought a lot of familiar faces with him from Iowa State. QB Rocco Becht and his friends should feel comfortable as they ease their way into the season with three straight easy games.
Pick: Penn State 45-7.
NO. 19 SMU AT FLORIDA STATE (PLUS 2 1/2)
The old saw is that a team makes its biggest improvement between the first and second games, and that better be the case for the Seminoles. The defense gave up too many big plays against New Mexico State and must be better with SMU QB Kevin Jennings coming to town on Monday night.
Pick: Florida State 28-24.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (PLUS 31 1/2) AT NO. 22 IOWA
A point spread this big is highly unusual for Iowa. That’s more an indicator of the expectations for Northern Illinois, which has an interim coach and is coming off a three-win season. Neither team has announced its starting quarterback.
Pick: Iowa 40-10.
OREGON STATE AT NO. 23 HOUSTON (MINUS 20 1/2)
Makhi Hughes, who rushed for more than 2,700 yards over two seasons at Tulane, is set to reboot his career after things didn’t work out for him at Oregon last year. He and returning QB Conner Weigman should put up big numbers against an Oregon State team with its fifth coach (two were interims) in four years.
Pick: Houston 42-7.
##############
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1: KIFFIN MAKES LSU DEBUT, NO. 24 LOUISVILLE-NO. 9 OLE MISS ONLY TOP 25 GAME
After its soft launch last week, college football holds its grand opening on Labor Day weekend.
It’s certainly not as grand as last year, when there were three Top 25 matchups, but fans hungry for football will find motivation to tune in as the race for the College Football Playoff begins.
The only game pitting two Associated Press Top 25 teams is Sunday when No. 24 Louisville meets No. 9 Mississippi in Nashville.
There are a handful of games Thursday before things rev up Friday with No. 7 Miami’s visit to Stanford, which already has a win under its belt after holding off Hawaii last week.
No. 2 Oregon opens at home against Boise State on Saturday, and don’t let the point spread keep you from watching. The Ducks are 24.5-point favorites, but the Broncos have been pointing to this game for a long time and they bring back big playmakers. Oregon won 37-34 on a last-second field goal in Eugene the last time these teams met, in 2024.
The game of the week, of course, is Clemson at No. 11 LSU on Saturday night. Drama seems to follow Lane Kiffin wherever he goes, and there’s been no lack of it in Baton Rouge since he arrived, with most of it in the courtroom lately.
The Apple Cup meeting between Washington State and No. 17 Washington in Seattle kicks things off Sunday. Fans will have a decision to make in the evening or keep the remote handy: No. 4 Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay or Louisville-Mississippi. The holiday weekend wraps up with No. 19 SMU at Florida State on Monday night.
Best game is an ACC vs. SEC clash
Clemson at No. 11 LSU, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
All the talk about players returning from the NFL to suit up for LSU has overshadowed the actual matchup, which features two teams trying to recapture their former glory.
This was a top-10 matchup a year ago, with LSU coming from behind to win 17-10 on the road. Both teams went on to finish 7-6, with LSU firing Brian Kelly after eight games and Clemson recording its fewest wins since 2010.
Kiffin will unveil what’s reportedly the highest-paid roster in the land featuring quarterback Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), offensive lineman Jordan Seaton (Colorado), edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen (Mississippi) and safety Ty Benefield (Boise State).
Chad Morris is back as Clemson’s offensive coordinator, and talented wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. has returned from a serious, season-ending neck and back injury. Linebacker Sammy Brown anchors a defense that struggled and prompted Dabo Swinney to uncharacteristically lean on the transfer portal to shore things up.
Heisman Trophy watch
Notre Dame’s CJ Carr and Texas star Arch Manning enter the season as front-runners for the Heisman Trophy, and Carr figures to get the tougher opening test against Wisconsin.
Carr led the Fighting Irish to 10 straight wins to end last season and finished with 24 touchdown passes, most by a Notre Dame quarterback through 12 starts since 1966. He needs to capitalize on the big stage of Lambeau Field to get his campaign started right because the Irish aren’t expected to be seriously tested until mid-October.
Manning and the Longhorns face Texas State, a significantly softer opening opponent than a year ago when he went on the road to Ohio State and took a licking. Manning has more offensive pieces around him now, and that starts with AP preseason All-America receiver Cam Coleman.
Numbers to know
1 — Toledo’s returning starters entering Mike Jacobs’ head coaching debut against Michigan State.
26 — No. 1 Ohio State’s consecutive wins in openers heading into Saturday’s game against Ball State, the longest active streak in the country. The Buckeyes are 8-0 in openers under Ryan Day with an average margin of victory of 25.4 points.
91 — Oklahoma State newcomers brought in by first-year coach Eric Morris.
118 — Apple Cup meetings between Washington and Washington State, none as a season opener until this season.
1984 — Last time Virginia Tech played VMI, the Hokies’ opening opponent in the James Franklin era. The schools are 83 miles apart.
Under the radar
South Dakota State at Northwestern, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (BTN)
The Jackrabbits are the Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason favorites, ranked No. 2 in the Championship Subdivision and coming off a 70-7 win over Stetson. They’re 2-11 all-time against the Bowl Subdivision and enter as 12.5-point underdogs.
Northwestern coach David Braun believes he has upgraded the offense with new coordinator Chip Kelly and quarterback Aidan Chiles, but a thin defensive front will be tested by the Jackrabbits’ excellent ground game.
Hot seat
Florida State’s Mike Norvell enters Monday’s game against No. 19 SMU just 8-18 since a 13-0 Seminoles team was left out of the four-team College Football Playoff in 2023. Just when it looked like Norvell would get off the hot seat with a 3-0 start last year that included a 31-17 win over a top-10 Alabama, FSU lost seven of its last nine.
The Seminoles were so-so against overmatched New Mexico State last week, leading by just 10 points in the middle of the fourth quarter before winning 34-17. They will need to be sharper against SMU, widely considered the best team behind Miami in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
And that’s just the start of a rugged September and October schedule for the Seminoles and Norvell, who is under contract through 2031 and would be owed $53.3 million if he’s fired after the season.
######################################################
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
MLB ROUNDUP: D-BACKS EDGE PHILLIES 1-0, CLIMB BACK INTO PLAYOFF SPOT
James McCann homered to break a scoreless tie in the eighth, seven Arizona pitchers limited Philadelphia to three hits, and the Diamondbacks avoided a series sweep with a 1-0 victory over the Phillies in Phoenix on Wednesday.
McCann hit a 409-foot homer on the first pitch he saw from Jonathan Bowlan (2-2).
Jonathan Loaisiga (6-3) tossed a 1-2-3 eighth, and Juan Morillo handled the ninth for his third save as the Diamondbacks ended a three-game skid.
Andrew Painter gave up two singles and no walks in seven scoreless innings for the Phillies, who had won six in a row and 15 of 17. Bryce Harper extended his career-best on-base streak to 35 games with a single and two walks.
Reds 7, Padres 3
Juan Brito belted his first career home run in support of Brandon Williamson’s return to the mound after a four-month injury hiatus, leading Cincinnati to a win over visiting San Diego in the rubber game of the three-game series.
JJ Bleday, who homered, and Dane Myers each collected three hits for the Reds. Williamson (3-3) scattered seven hits and three runs over 5 1/3 innings. Reds rookie Hector Rodriguez added his fifth homer.
The Padres dropped their second straight game. San Diego starter Casey Mize (5-9) was charged with four runs on five hits in four innings.
Braves 9, Nationals 0
Sean Murphy and Ronald Acuna Jr. each hit a three-run homer as visiting Atlanta toppled Washington following a long rain delay.
Elieser Hernandez (2-0) threw three scoreless innings in relief after Atlanta starter Grant Holmes tossed three no-hit innings before the delay. Austin Riley drove in two runs for the Braves, who snapped a two-game skid.
Brad Lord started and hurled 3 1/3 scoreless frames for the Nationals. Riley Cornelio (2-2) allowed three runs on three hits over 2 2/3 innings.
Rockies 6, Orioles 5 (11 innings)
Brett Sullivan hit a two-run single with two outs in the 11th inning to give Colorado a win over Baltimore in Denver.
The victory was the second straight for the Rockies, who had lost 10 home games in a row entering September. Colorado’s Cole Carrigg had three hits, and Adael Amador, TJ Rumfield and Jake McCarthy finished with two each.
The Orioles led most of the game but couldn’t hold leads in the ninth and 11th innings and wasted a career-high 11 strikeouts from Trevor Rogers, who threw 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball. Blaze Alexander had three hits for Baltimore.
Blue Jays 11, Guardians 0
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 3-for-4 with a home run and a season-high five RBIs as visiting Toronto defeated Cleveland.
Guerrero hit a three-run homer, an RBI double and an RBI single. Toronto starter Dylan Cease (10-5) allowed four hits over six scoreless innings. Josh Smith added a solo homer for the Blue Jays, who gained a split of the first two games in the three-game series.
Chase DeLauter had three hits for the Guardians. Joey Cantillo (9-8) allowed nine runs (four earned) on nine hits over 5 1/3 innings.
Giants 5, Pirates 4 (10 innings)
Bryce Eldridge drove in two runs, including the tiebreaking run on a double in the 10th, lifting San Francisco to a comeback win at Pittsburgh.
Rafael Devers collected two hits, including a home run, and two walks for the Giants, who have won three of four. San Francisco reliever Jason Foley (2-1) threw a scoreless ninth inning, and Dylan Smith registered his fourth save despite permitting a run in the 10th.
Camilo Doval (3-2) took the loss as the Pirates’ three-game winning streak ended. Bryan Reynolds singled, doubled and scored twice.
Astros 2, White Sox 0
Nelson Velazquez hit a two-run single with two outs in the eighth inning, lifting Houston to a victory over visiting Chicago.
Hayden Wesneski twirled seven innings of one-hit ball for the Astros. AJ Blubaugh (5-2) threw a scoreless eighth inning, pitching around a leadoff triple. Josh Hader notched his 22nd save with a perfect ninth.
White Sox right-hander Davis Martin excelled in his return from the injured list, tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Sean Newcomb (2-4) permitted two runs in two innings.
Mariners 8, Red Sox 3
Visiting Seattle rode a pair of four-run innings to a win over Boston in the decisive game of a three-game series.
J.P. Crawford went 3-for-3 with two runs to lead four multi-hit performances for the Mariners. Seattle used four relievers behind Bryce Miller, who tossed 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball. Cooper Criswell (3-2) pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.
Roman Anthony, who homered, and Wilyer Abreu, who had two doubles, logged three hits apiece for the Red Sox. Patrick Sandoval (1-4) yielded four runs (three earned) in four-plus innings as Boston took its sixth loss in eight games.
Mets 10, Rays 4
Nick Morabito and Brett Baty each stroked a three-run double as New York won its three-game series with Tampa Bay, prevailing in St. Petersburg, Fla. Morabito collected his first two major league hits.
Juan Soto went 2-for-5 with a homer for the Mets. Bo Bichette finished 2-for-4 with a double, two runs, a walk and a stolen base. Dedniel Nunez (1-0) delivered 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.
Richie Palacios slugged a two-run homer for the Rays. Griffin Jax (6-10) returned from the injured list and surrendered six runs, three earned, in 2 2/3 innings.
Athletics 9, Rangers 2
Henry Bolte had three hits, including a pair of two-run homers, to help the Athletics avoid a three-game sweep by Texas in Arlington, Texas.
Zack Gelof, Jonah Heim and Alika Williams also homered and Jeff McNeil had two hits and scored twice for the A’s, who ended a five-game skid. Jacob Lopez (6-4) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings.
Rangers starter Cody Bradford (0-4) gave up five runs on three homers and seven hits in four innings. Ezequiel Duran had three hits in the leadoff spot, including a home run, and Justin Foscue also homered.
Marlins 9, Royals 6
Kyle Stowers and Heriberto Hernandez each had two hits and two RBIs, Javier Sanoja homered among his three hits and Miami rallied from an early three-run deficit to win at Kansas City.
Stowers and Jakob Marsee also went deep for the Marlins. Griffin Conine added two hits, an RBI and a pair of stellar outfield catches. Miami reliever Cade Gibson (3-1) struck out the only batter he faced.
Carter Jensen hit a pair of solo homers and Salvador Perez had a two-run shot for the Royals, who have dropped three straight following a 12-1 stretch. Jose Cuas (0-1) got just one out and yielded three runs.
Brewers 9, Cubs 5
Jackson Chourio had four hits, including his 21st homer, and visiting Milwaukee beat Chicago.
Joey Ortiz singled home two runs for the Brewers, who overcame a shaky outing by ace Jacob Misiorowski (five runs in four innings). JoJo Romero (2-3), one of five Milwaukee relievers who combined for five shutout innings of one-hit ball, handled the fifth inning.
Alex Bregman hit a two-run homer and singled in two runs for the Cubs, who lost for the sixth time in eight games. David Peterson was tagged for six runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings.
Tigers 11, Twins 6 (12 innings)
Spencer Torkelson hit a two-run homer as part of a five-run 12th inning, and Detroit pulled away for a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis.
John Peck doubled and singled for his first major league hits while driving in three runs for the Tigers, who staved off a three-game sweep. Javier Baez capped the 12th-inning rally with a three-run double, and Max Clark finished with three doubles and three runs.
Royce Lewis tallied two RBIs to lead the Twins, whose three-game winning streak ended. Trevor Larnach and Ryan Jeffers each hit an RBI double, and Brooks Lee finished 3-for-6.
Yankees 6, Angels 3 (10 innings)
Austin Wells went 2-for-2 with a two-run go-ahead single to highlight a five-run 10th inning as New York beat Los Angeles in the decisive game of a three-game series in Anaheim, Calif.
Cody Bellinger (3-for-5), Trent Grisham and Ben Rice each added an RBI single for the Yankees in the 10th. Cam Schlittler allowed one run on two hits in eight innings. David Bednar (7-3) fanned three in a scoreless ninth inning.
Vaughn Grissom went 2-for-4 with a homer and Moises Ballesteros hit a two-run shot in the bottom of the 10th for Los Angeles, which lost for the ninth time in 10 games. It marked the sixth straight extra-inning defeat for the Angels.
Cardinals 8, Dodgers 6 (10 innings)
Thomas Saggese hit a home run and drove in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning with an infield single as St. Louis rallied past host Los Angeles.
Leo Bernal added a homer, his first after making his major league debut on Tuesday, and the Cardinals won for just the fourth time in 11 games. St. Louis sent eight pitchers to the mound in a bullpen game, with Justin Bruihl (1-1) getting the win and Riley O’Brien posting his 35th save.
Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts homered as the Dodgers lost for the sixth time in eight games. Yoshinobu Yamamoto took a no-hitter into the sixth but wound up allowing four runs on five hits in seven innings.
######################################################
TOP INDIANA SPORTS HEADLINES
COLLEGE FOOTBALL ON INDIANA SRN
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL IS BIG TIME ON INDIANASRN! 🔥🏈
Get ready for an HCAC FOOTBALL DOUBLEHEADER this Saturday, with TWO BIG MATCHUPS coming your way on IndianaSRN.org!
⭐ 6:00 PM — NORTH PARK vs. FRANKLIN
The first big HCAC battle kicks off at 6 PM! Two proud programs, one football field, and plenty of conference excitement.
🔥 7:00 PM — DePauw vs. ROSE-HULMAN
Then at 7 PM, the spotlight turns to another BIG-TIME HCAC SHOWDOWN!
📺 AND THERE’S MORE!
The DePauw vs. Rose-Hulman game will ALSO be seen on 59 NOW!
That means IndianaSRN is taking HCAC FOOTBALL TO ANOTHER LEVEL!
🎙️ LIVE BROADCASTS
📡 INDIANASRN.ORG North Park v Franklin College
📺 59 NOW for DePauw vs. Rose-Hulman
🏈 TWO GAMES. ONE BIG SATURDAY.
Whether you’re at the stadium, watching from home, or cheering from across the country — IndianaSRN gives you a front-row seat to HCAC football!
🔥 SATURDAY NIGHT. HCAC FOOTBALL. INDIANASRN.
DON’T MISS A SNAP! 🏈🔥
########################################################
COLTS FOOTBALL
COLTS HOPE THE RETURN OF A PRODUCTIVE OFFENSE WILL HELP END A 5-YEAR PLAYOFF DROUGHT
ASSOCIATED PRESS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-9)
Expectations
How long has it been since the Colts made the playoffs? The quarterback who last took them to the postseason in 2020, Philip Rivers, stayed out of football long enough to become Hall of Fame eligible and then came out of retirement late last season to see if he could make it back. While that gamble didn’t work out, general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen are back for one more shot. They believe quarterback Daniel Jones can replicate his strong start from 2025 and hope he stays healthy enough to finish this season. Through the first nine games last year, Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor were the cornerstones in one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, and most of the pieces are in place to run it back. Defensively, the question is whether Indy can improve enough to emerge as a contender. Injuries prevented the Colts from seeing the full impact of assembling All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner, Pro Bowl cornerback Charvarius Ward and veteran safety Cam Bynum in the secondary. Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) finished the season on injured reserve. If the defense clicks, the Colts might not just be playoff-bound. They could win their first AFC South crown since 2014.
New faces
LB CJ Allen, WR Keenan Allen, LB Bryce Boettcher, S Cam Taylor-Britt, DT Micheal Clemons, DE Caden Curry, S A.J. Haulcy, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, DE Arden Key, S Jonathan Owens, DT Colby Wooden.
Key losses
WR Michael Pittman Jr., RT Braden Smith, DE Kwity Paye, CB Kenny Moore II, S Nick Cross, LB Zaire Franklin, OL Danny Pinter, DL Tyquan Lewis.
Strengths
Indianapolis returns nine of 11 starters from an offense that was on a historically productive pace until Jones’ season was cut short by injuries. The Colts believe Jalen Travis is ready to replace departed RT Braden Smith, and that Alec Pierce will be more than capable of replacing Pittman as the No. 1 receiver. The addition of Allen gives Jones three proven wideouts, and TE Tyler Warren is likely to play an expanded role in his second season. If Gardner and Ward are healthy, the secondary could be far better — especially with CB Justin Walley and S Hunter Wohler back after they suffered season-ending injuries in 2025 preseason games.
Weaknesses
The top concern is generating a consistent pass rush. Laiatu Latu saw his sacks total increase from four in 2024 to 8 1/2 last year, but with Paye’s departure in free agency, there’s no clear successor on the opposite side. Indy expects Key and second-year DE Jaylahn Tuimoloau to help free up Latu. The Colts added depth with Clemons and two draft picks, Curry and George Gumbs Jr. Indy also is young at linebacker with two rookies — CJ Allen and Boettcher — projected as starters. Boettcher has been impressive, but Allen was limited by hamstring and calf injuries at camp. The Colts have started multiple rookie linebackers before, but Allen’s missed time could prove costly.
Camp development
Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2023, and second-year QB Riley Leonard have been battling to become Jones’ backup. The injury-prone Richardson, who has a standing trade request, lost a fumble and threw an interception in Indy’s preseason opener. He then went 3 of 9 for 24 yards and was sacked twice in Indy’s second preseason game. Leonard hasn’t been much better. He was under heavy pressure in Week 1 and struggled to sustain drives in Week 2. Neither Spencer Shrader nor Blake Grupe has separated himself in the kicking competition, either.
Fantasy players to watch
Taylor and Warren. Taylor remains a big-play threat every time he touches the ball and finished last season with a league-best 18 TD runs. Indy tried to exploit some of Warren’s versatility early in his rookie season, asking him to run and throw the ball in addition to his other duties. He could be asked to do more of that this year, meaning he could score in ways other tight ends cannot.
COLTS PLAYER INTERVIEWS: https://www.colts.com/video/colts-players-on-making-53-man-roster-preparing-for-week-1-2026-media-availability-september-2
########################################################
INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS
TOLEDO, Ohio – Konnor Griffin reached base three times with two singles and one walk as he continued his major league rehab assignment, but the Indianapolis Indians lost to the Toledo Mud Hens, 11-2, on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Field.
Indianapolis (34-25, 65-69) opened the scoring in the top of the first as Mitch Jebb led off the game with a single. In his first at-bat, Griffin took strike three in a 3-2 count and challenged the pitch, overturning the call to draw an eight-pitch walk and put two runners on in the game’s first two batters. Ronny Simon moved Jebb to third base with a flyout and Jack Brannigan lifted an RBI single to left field for a 1-0 lead.
The Mud Hens (30-29, 64-69) came roaring back with 11 unanswered runs. James Outman tied the game with a solo homer in the second inning. He gave Toledo the lead on a sacrifice fly in the fourth and Jace Jung logged an RBI double in the fifth for a 3-1 Mud Hens lead. With one out in the seventh inning, five straight walks were issued by Indians pitchers and Outman was hit by a pitch next for a 5-1 advantage. With two outs, Bennett Lee drew another RBI walk in the inning and Max Burt capped the frame with a grand slam, icing the Indians at 11-1. Video replay showed the ball appeared to go underneath the fence for what could have been an automatic double, but the call on the field stood for a home run.
Simon pushed through Indy’s final tally in the ninth for an 11-2 final.
Hunter Barco (L, 4-7) struck out six batters across his 5.0 innings, allowing three runs. Carl Edwards Jr. (W, 5-10) allowed just one run over his 5.0 frames for the Mud Hens.
Indianapolis and Toledo continue this week’s six game series on Thursday night at 6:35 PM ET. RHP Khristian Curtis (3-1, 5.18) is scheduled to start for the Indians with LHP Jackson Wolf (2-1, 2.16) set to take the hill for the Mud Hens.
############################################################
INDIANA FEVER
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 1, 2026) — Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for the month of August in the 2026 WNBA season, winning the award for the second-consecutive month.
This past month Mitchell scored a league-high 318 cumulative points and averaged a league-high 28.9 points per game, nearly four points higher than the second highest scoring player. Additionally, Mitchell recorded the highest three-point percentage, making 39 out of 73 three pointers attempted for 53.4 percentage in the month of August. Mitchell also recorded a league-best 55.6 percent field goal percentage
In each of her 11 games played, Mitchell scored 20+ points, leading the league in 20+ point scoring performances, while breaking and setting a new record for most consecutive 20+ point games in a single season, now at 24 games. Mitchell’s 11 20+ point performances in August lead the WNBA, while her four 30+ point performances also mark a league high for the month. In August Mitchell also became the first guard, and second player overall, to surpass 1,000 points scored in a single season.
Through the month of August, Mitchell helped the Fever earn a 7-4 record, including a five-game win streak. Of the 11 games played, Mitchell led the Fever in scoring in eight of them. For the month of August, Mitchell, once again, set a franchise record for the highest scoring average in a single month at 28.9, surpassing the previous high of 27.2 set by Mitchell herself this season in the month of July.
This is the second time in her career Mitchell has won Player of the Month, joining Caitlin Clark (two times) and Tamika Catchings (three times) as the only Indiana Fever players to earn Player of the Month honors. Mitchell’s win also marks the third-consecutive month, an Indiana Fever player has won the award, with Clark earning the honor in June and Mitchell doing it in July.
####################################################
INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – There is nothing easy about a win over the defending national champions.
The second game in a back-to-back against SEC opponents, a near 20-minute delay during the middle of the match and a grueling five-set contest. None of it mattered to the 21st-ranked Indiana volleyball team (2-1, 0-0 B1G) as it took down No. 12 Texas A&M (26-24, 26-28, 25-23, 17-25, 15-9) on Wednesday (Sept. 2) evening at Mackey Arena.
The win over the Aggies completed a perfect trip through the Allstate Big Ten/SEC challenge and earned IU its highest-ranked non-conference victory (No. 12) in program history. It is the seventh win over a top-12 AVCA opponent in school history and the 10th ranked win during head coach Steve Aird’s tenure.
Third-year opposite hitter Ella Boersema exploded for a career-high 21 kills, topping her previous high for the second night in a row. She hit .471 (21-5-34) on the night and added six blocks and three digs in the win. Second-year outside hitter Jaidyn Jager provided 17 kills while second-year setter Teodora Krickovic added seven kills of her own.
Contributions from up and down the bench made the difference in Wednesday’s victory. Third-year defensive specialist Emma Segal provided three important aces while third-year setter Sade Ilawole went on a big service run of her own. Three different players had 10-or-more digs, helping the Hoosiers to an advantage (59-48) in the category.
It will be a brief period of rest before IU returns to the court this weekend to try and finish off a 3-0 week against SEC opposition. The Hoosiers will play in the Bridgestone Block Party against No. 22 Tennessee at 3 p.m. (ESPN2) on Sunday (Sept. 6) afternoon in Nashville.
How it Happened
• Great defensive coverage was a big deciding factor in Wednesday’s victory. On top of that, the Hoosiers provided more digs (59-48) by a serious margin. Second-year libero Hannah Leftridge led the way with 16 while four other players had at least five. IU was out blocked (15.0-12.0) but had big stuffs in game five to seal the win.
• Service pressure from third-year defensive specialist Emma Segal and third-year setter Sade Ilawole turned the tides in favor of IU late in the contest. Segal had three aces on 16 attempts from the end line but kept Texas A&M behind the 10-foot line for the better half of the fifth set.
Top Hoosier Performers
#27 Boersema, Ella
21 kills, .471 hitting percentage, 6 blocks, 3 digs
#77 Granberry, Kiki
6 kills, 7 blocks, 2 digs, 2 assists
#12 Krickovic, Teodora
45 assists, 10 digs, 7 kills, 2 aces
Notes to Know
• The win over No. 12 Texas A&M was the highest-ranked non-conference win in program history, surpassing a five-set win over No. 15 Kentucky back in 2019. Both of those wins are among head coach Steve Aird’s tally during his time in Bloomington. The victory over the Aggies was his 10th ranked win on the IU bench.
• The win was the seventh-highest ranked victory in program history and the biggest since a five-set win over No. 5 Ohio State in 2022. It is the first time since 2010 (W, 3-1 – vs. Penn State) that the team has beaten the defending national champions.
AVCA Top-12 Ranked Wins in Program History
– vs. No. 12 Texas A&M (W, 3-2 – Sept. 2, 2026)
– at No. 5 Ohio State (W, 3-2 – Nov. 20, 2022)
– at No. 10 Michigan State (W, 3-2 – Oct. 26, 2013)
– vs. No. 10 Illinois IW, 3-1 – Nov. 26, 2010)
– vs. No. 4 Penn State (W, 3-1 – Oct. 9, 2010)
– vs. No. 11 Ohio State (W, 3-1 – Sept. 25, 2002)
– vs. No. 6 Ohio State (W, 3-2 – Sept. 24, 1994)
• Third-year opposite hitter Ella Boersema recorded a career high 21 kills while hitting .471 on 34 attempts. It’s the second time in the last two years that an IU player (Jaidyn Jager vs. SEMO – Sept. 4, 2025) has recorded 20-or-more kills on fewer than 40 swings while hitting .470 or better.
• Boersema averaged 3.67 kills per set in wins over Georgia and Texas A&M while hitting .538 in the victories. She added six blocks, seven digs, an ace and an assist to help the Hoosiers to some resume-boosting win. Coming into the weekend, she had just three career matches with more than eight kills.
• IU’s five-set win over Texas A&M is the third-straight victory in such matches for the Hoosiers. Aird’s group also knocked off Miami (Fla.) (Aug. 29, 2025) and Iowa (Nov. 7, 2025) over the last two years in games that went the distance. The Hoosiers are now 22-23 in five-set matches during Aird’s tenure.
#########################################################
PURDUE VOLLEYBALL
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Less than 24 hours after taking down the defending national champions, the No. 14 Purdue Boilermakers (2-1) gutted out a five-set victory over Georgia (27-25, 19-25, 25-10, 24-26, 16-14) inside Mackey Arena to close the squad’s Big Ten /SEC Challenge matches. The 10 points allowed in Set 4 marked the fewest in a match since October 2024 (vs. Indiana: 25-9).
The Boilermakers went the distance in a match that saw 39 tied scores and 15 lead changes – including six ties in the fifth set and 16 in the fourth.
Purdue’s back row, led by junior libero Ryan McAleer’s near double-double and elusive 30-dig club performance (9 assists, 27 digs), combined for 89 digs– the most by a Purdue team since 2021 (89 vs. Illinois on October 1, 2021).
In total, two Boilermakers earned the double-double status: Taylor Anderson (45 assists, career-high 18 digs), Grace Heaney (15 kills, 16 digs). Meanwhile, Lameen Mambu saw a career-high 21 kills, including four in the fifth set.
Freshman defensive specialist Elle Schara posted her first double-digit dig match, totaling 11 in the match while keeping the Bulldogs out-of-system with a serve that also earned her an ace.
UP NEXT
Purdue will play two more home matches before heading to the Bahamas for the Paradise Invitational. On Sunday, the squad will take on its third top-20 opponent this season in No. 18 TCU, which took down No. 8 SMU earlier this evening in five sets. The match will be the first of the season in Holloway Gymnasium.
############################################################
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
RB ANEYAS WILLIAMS READY TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED 1ST COLLEGE START AS NO. 4 NOTRE DAME FACES WISCONSIN
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams spent his first two college seasons waiting for a chance to prove himself. Then last winter, he had right elbow surgery and considered transferring.
Eventually, Williams decided to come back to South Bend to show he could replace not one, but two NFL first-round draft picks.
On Sunday, Williams is expected to make his long-awaited first college start when the No. 4 Fighting Irish face Wisconsin at historic Lambeau Field, and it’s starting to feel more like what Williams envisioned when he chose Notre Dame.
“I didn’t feel right,” he said when asked about changing schools. “I came here for a reason. This degree means something to me, but also these people mean something more to me.”
He added: “With (Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love) gone, obviously the opportunity is there. We’re looking to replace these guys. We’re not looking to take any steps back at all in the running back room.”
It certainly hasn’t been the journey most top-ranked recruits map out.
The prep star from Hannibal, Missouri watched Love hurdle his way into Heisman Trophy contention, and along with Price, field one of the top running duos in Notre Dame’s storied history. They led the Irish to the national championship game in January 2025 and were good enough to keep Notre Dame in playoff contention after last season’s 0-2 start on their way to becoming the first running back tandem from the same school to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
But playing behind those two meant Williams was essentially relegated to spot or mop-up duty, and in today’s college transfer environment that means other schools can offer more money, more playing time or both.
Williams called the experience “exciting” though the chance to team up with incumbent starting quarterback CJ Carr as the cornerstones of Notre Dame’s offense was even more enticing.
“I want (people) to see the player that I can and have been,” he said. “You know, since I’ve been here, I might have taken a back seat, but I learned a lot in those years. Now, to just apply it and bring it to the field, and give these younger guys someone to look up to like I had, that’s the biggest thing.”
Williams showed his potential in 2024, playing in 13 games, rushing for 219 yards and logging another 172 yards receiving. Last year, the 5-foot-10, 210-pound Williams appeared in all 12 games but had just 24 carries for 224 yards and finished with five TDs.
His biggest game came in Notre Dame’s season finale when he rushed 10 times for 83 yards, caught two passes for 40 yards and scored twice including a 51-yard TD run in 49-20 rout over Stanford. When the Irish were left out of the 12-team playoff, the team elected not to appear in a bowl game.
Williams knows the outside world remains skeptical of what Notre Dame’s offense will look like without Love and Price, though he dismisses any suggestion the Irish runners can’t get the job done.
“I’d be silly to say I don’t hear it,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot about how the running back room is going to be the weak spot, and I think you take that and use it. I think that’s the message that we’ve used in the running back room, and (running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider) has put on us.”
And Seider has no doubt Williams has always had what it takes.
“He has a know-how of what’s going on around him,” Seider said, noting Williams was one of last season’s leaders. “He knows the big picture. He’s very similar to what CJ has as a quarterback. He can see the rotation of the safety. He can see the front change, and he can anticipate, which to me, that is what makes a great running back, to be able anticipate what’s going on around him and evade.”
######################################################
PURDUE WOMEN’S SOCCER
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue will travel south this week to face Middle Tennessee State at 8:00 p.m. est on Sept. 3.
Thursday’s match will be the Boilermakers last non-conference match of the year and it will be streamed on ESPN+. This is the first time since 2000 that Purdue is 5-0-1 to start the season and looks to carry the momentum into the final match before Big Ten play begins.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
The Blue Raiders are off to a 4-0-2 start while holding five of their six opponents to shutouts, including two scoreless draws. The Blue Raiders’ only goals allowed this season came in their 3-2 win over Miami (OH).
Middle Tennessee goalkeepers Demi Gronauer and Ella Sellers have posted a combined .890 save percentage this season. Middle Tennessee’s scoring is led by Ania Denham, who has recorded three goals this season.
SERIES HISTORY
Thursday will be the first matchup in Purdue history against Middle Tennessee State. The Boilermakers are 3-0 against Conference USA (CUSA) opponents since the Blue Raiders joined the conference in 2013, most recently defeating Western Kentucky 2-1 in 2023.
######################################################
BUTLER VOLLEYBALL
Butler is set to host the Indy Invitational, which is slated to start on Thursday at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Bulldogs will host Youngstown State for their home opener, followed by two more matches on Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, Sept. 3 – vs Youngstown State at 7 p.m. ET
Friday, Sept. 4 – vs Akron at 6 p.m. ET
Saturday, Sept. 5 vs Ohio at 5 p.m. ET
Butler Recently
Butler recently competed in Clemson’s Big Orange Bash this past weekend, where the Bulldogs were 2-1, knocking off Clemson for their first ACC win since 2014 (Virginia Tech).
Bulldog Bits
*At the Big Orange Bash*
Jersey Loyer, who earned All-Tournament Recognition, totalled 56 digs, 23 against Charleston Southern, a season high and nearly a career high (28).
Sawyer Jones, who also earned All-Tournament Recognition, totalled 32 kills; 14 came against Clemson. She also recorded 19 blocks over the weekend.
Elise Ward tallied 40 digs, including 21 against Western Carolina. She also recorded 22 kills over the past three contests.
Raegan Durbin led the squad with 36 kills, 16 of which came against Western Carolina. She also recorded 32 digs over the weekend.
Carly Slusser recorded 22 blocks, including ten against Clemson. She also tallied 18 kills at the event.
Maria Nix recorded 28 kills; 13 came against Charleston Southern over the weekend.
Chase Lemming recorded 21 kills; 14 came on Sunday and three blocks.
Scouting Youngstown State
The Bulldogs will face the Youngstown State Penguins as their home opener in 2026. The Penguins are 2-1 overall this season and finished 17-14 last season in 2025. Junior Kylie Surratt leads the team with 40 kills, and sophomore Kameron Blizniak leads the team with 61 assists this season.
Scouting Akron
The Akron Zips will face Butler in the second home game of the season. The Zips are 1-2 on the season and finished 16-13 in the 2025 season. Senior Chidera Ozoh leads the Zips this season with 32 kills, and sophomore Clara Christensen leads the team with 68 assists.
Scouting Ohio
The Bulldogs will take on the Ohio Bobcats for the third home game of the season. The Bobcats are 3-0 this season and finished 14-17 in the 2025 season. Sophomore Bailey Blair leads the Bobcats this season with 38 kills, and freshman Rowan Kelly leads the team with 110 assists.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to Evanston, Illinois to face Northwestern Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m./6 p.m. CT. After that, the Bulldogs will return home to play Bellarmine on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
#####################################################
IU INDY MEN’S SOCCER
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The IU Indianapolis men’s soccer team continued its hot start to the 2026 campaign on Wednesday night (Sept. 2) as the Jaguars collected a 1-0 victory at Southern Indiana on a muggy, humid evening at USI’s Strassweg Field. The Jaguars continued to use the same formula that’s led to the early season success – find a goal and lean on a stingy defense and strong goalkeeping play to earn the victory.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team with tonight’s performance. It was 90 minutes of battle in the heat and the guys worked hard for each other,” head coach Keegan Boom said. “Everyone stepped up when needed and performed their roles very well.
“A third clean sheet in a row to top off a a third consecutive win gives us confidence going into conference play.”
It marked a third consecutive 1-0 victory for the Jaguars and pushed IU Indy to the program’s best start since the 2006 campaign. The Jags extended their scoreless streak to 337 straight minutes dating back to the opening half of the 2-1 loss at Louisville to open the season.
On Wednesday, the winner came off the right foot of Jose Antonio Herrera, who converted a penalty kick in the 30th minute for his third tally of the season, all from the spot. From there, the Jaguars posted a resilient, bend-but-don’t-break defensive effort that saw them yield 12 corner kicks, but just five shots on goal.
Equally impressive were the full 90 minute efforts of Jayden Quezada, Jai Dindiyal, Jago Thompson-Roberts and Luke Gonda along the back line on a sweltering evening in which real feel temperatures began at 100 degrees. Boom had to reconfigure the group when Noah Kummrow left the field in the opening minutes, forcing Dindiyal to a defensive post and a collection of Jaguars to fill minutes in the midfield.
After a back-and-forth start, the Jaguars settled in and took advantage when opportunity presented.
Freshman Santiago Sanchez earned the penalty kick as he was chopped down just inside the 18-yard box while trying to spin past a defender. From there, Herrera calmly belted a low liner inside the left post for his 12th career goal and fifth career PK conversion. The Jaguars were content to play keep away for long stretches of the game, picking and choosing when they went on the attack. The second half saw the game open up, allowing the Jaguars to get forward more consistently.
Freshman Thomas Weinrich tried to double the lead in the 47th minute when he intercepted a pass and sprinted on the counter, but had his shot cleared away by Jacob English, who was charging quickly off his back line. Nathaniel Isom tested English in the 59th minute and Sanchez forced the USI keeper into his best save of the night in the game’s final minute. The Jaguars drew a foul at the top of the 18 with under a minute to play and the IU Indy midfielder blistered a shot on frame, forcing English to redirect the shot sideways. From there, Weinrich carried the ball to the corner and bled away the final seconds.
Freshman Peter Field’s best stop of the night came in the 13th minute when he made a quick reaction to bat away an attempt from Edin Cvorovic. Field, the reigning #HLMSOC Defensive Player of the Week, finished with five saves in recording his third shutout of the year.
Isom led the IU Indy attack with three shot attempts, all on frame, while Weinrich had two attempts off the bench.
The Jaguars will now open Horizon League play when they travel to Northern Illinois to face the Huskies on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 4:00 p.m. CT (5 Eastern).
######################################################
IU INDY WOMEN’S SOCCER
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indianapolis women’s soccer team will embark on a pair of stiff tests this week as the Jaguars host Bellarmine to Carroll Stadium on Thursday night (Sept. 3) before heading north to face Notre Dame on Sunday (Sept. 6). The Jaguars enter play on the heels of their first win of the season as they cruised past Chicago State at Carroll Stadium over the weekend, 3-0. Senior Caroline Kelley scored the game-winning goal and added an assist while juniors Bethany Hartigan and Annaliese Black also scored in the victory.
Defensively, the Jaguars (1-2-1) posted their first clean sheet of the season as Isabel Oferosky and Sofia Rodriguez combined on a shutout. The Cougars were limited to just four shot attempts and Hartigan was ultimately named the #HLWSOC Defensive Player of the Week for her work in the defensive third.
Junior speedster Keilah Muldrow leads the IU Indy attack with a pair of goals while senior Lindsey Castillo is tops on the team with two assists. Oferosky has ascended to the No. 1 keeper spot and recorded a 1.20 goals against average with 17 saves in her four appearances.
The Jaguars attempted a school record 38 shots against Chicago State as Black attempted 10 off the bench, putting five on target. Kelley had five attempts and Maci Sammons had four tries in just 36 minutes.
QUOTABLE
“We talked before the game, especially her. She’s just, you know, she’s hit, she’s hit it to the keeper. She’s hit the post, the crossbar, every which way, but in the back of the net. We talked about the importance of her setting the tone. She was able to do that. Then she had an assist. To walk away with a goal and assist today for her, I’m super excited just knowing that, you know, she’s just starting to really catch a stride here hopefully this just leads to bigger things from her,” head coach Angela Berry White said of Caroline Kelley after the CSU win.
SCOUTING BELLARMINE
Bellarmine is 0-2-1 to start the season, having played all three contests on the road. The lone positive result was a 1-1 draw at Indiana on Aug. 21. Ella Flynn has Bellarmine’s lone score of the season, having tallied from the penalty spot in the draw at IU. In goal, Anna Jenkins has played all 270 minutes and recorded a 1.33 goals against average and 15 saves. Bellarmine has been outscored 4-1 in three games and been outshot by nearly 15 attempts per contest.
AGAINST THE KNIGHTS
IU Indy is 1-0-1 all-time against Bellarmine, winning the most recent matchup 3-0 on the road on Aug. 24, 2023. Current senior Caroline Kelley scored a pair of goals in that contest and Hannah Roberson assisted on the game-winner.
SCOUTING NOTRE DAME
Notre Dame is 1-0-4 through five matches and 1-0-2 on their home turf. Lily Joseph leads the Irish with four goals and a team-high 25 shot attempts. In goal, Sonoma Kasica has played the majority of the minutes with a 1.00 goals against average and 13 saves in three appearances. Notre Dame has outshot opponents by more than 11 shots per game and outscored foes 7-4 on the season.
AGAINST THE IRISH
IU Indy is 0-2 all-time against Notre Dame, having faced the Irish in each of their NCAA Tournament appearances. The Jaguars lost both matches on the road by identical 5-0 scores. The two programs haven’t met in women’s soccer since the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
UP NEXT
The Jaguars will host Butler at Carroll Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
############################################################
IU INDY VOLLEYBALL
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indy volleyball team returns to Indianapolis this week for its 2026 home opener, welcoming Ohio, Marshall and Akron to The Jungle for the Hampton Inn Invitational Sept. 3-5.
The Jaguars enter the weekend 1-2 after opening the season at the Washington Tournament in Seattle, where IU Indy picked up a sweep of UC Irvine while battling both San Diego State and No. 3 Washington in four- and five-set contests.
IU Indy opened the tournament with a 3-1 setback to San Diego State despite taking the opening set and holding a 1-0 lead. The Jaguars bounced back in emphatic fashion the following night, sweeping UC Irvine, 25-23, 25-21, 28-26. IU Indy then pushed host Washington to five sets before falling 15-9 in the deciding frame. Sophomore Jillian Tippmann and freshman Bailey Sinish earned All-Tournament Team honors following the weekend.
Tippmann led the Jaguars with 37 kills across the three matches, including a team-high 16 kills against San Diego State and 12 more in the five-set battle with Washington. She also contributed six blocks against Washington. Sinish added 32 kills during the opening weekend. She posted a team-best 12 kills in IU Indy’s sweep of UC Irvine and added nine kills against Washington.
Setter Grace Purichia, the reigning Horizon League Setter of the Year, directed the Jaguars’ offense with 100 assists through three matches, including 38 in the five-set contest against Washington.
The Jaguars will look to carry that experience into their home-opening weekend, which features three challenging matchups against teams that also opened the season with winning records or competitive tournament results.
Ohio enters Thursday’s matchup at 3-0, having swept Bucknell, Niagara and Marshall at the Marshall Invitational last weekend.
Marshall comes to Indianapolis at 2-1 after earning sweeps over Niagara and Bucknell before falling to Ohio. The Thundering Herd’s Maddie Smith and Beatrice Ciccarelli were named to the All-Tournament team, with Smith totaling 27 kills and Ciccarelli hitting .429 with 19 kills and six blocks.
Akron enters the weekend at 1-2 after opening its season with a five-set victory over East Tennessee State before losses to Liberty and Auburn. The Zips were led offensively by Chidera Ozoh, who totaled 32 kills while hitting .482 over the three matches.
The Jaguars will begin the weekend Thursday at 7:00 PM against Ohio before facing Marshall Friday at 6:00 PM. IU Indy closes the invitational Saturday at 3:00 PM against Akron. All three matches will be played at The Jungle and streamed on ESPN+.
The Hampton Inn Invitational marks the beginning of IU Indy’s 2026 home schedule, with the Jaguars scheduled to play 12 home contests this season.
Full Weekend Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 3: Akron vs. Marshall – 4:00 PM
Thursday, Sept. 3: IU Indy vs. Ohio – 7:00 PM
Friday, Sept. 4: IU Indy vs. Marshall – 6:00 PM
Saturday, Sept. 5: Marshall vs. Youngstown State – 1:00 PM
Saturday, Sept. 5: IU Indy vs. Akron – 3:00 PM
#########################################################
BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL
THIS WEEK IN BALL STATE VOLLEYBALL: The Ball State women’s volleyball team returns to action Thursday when it opens play in the Tru by Hilton Beavercreek Invitational with a 6 p.m. showdown with Western Kentucky … The Cardinals will then play Dayton at 3 p.m. Friday, before finishing the tournament versus host Wright State at 4 p.m. Saturday … The event is shaping up to be a big test for the Cardinals, with both Western Kentucky (6) and Dayton (25) receiving votes in this week’s AVCA Division I Coaches Poll … In addition, both WKU and Wright State were NCAA tournament teams a year ago.
FOLLOW THE ACTION: Live stats will be available for all three matches courtesy of Wright State … In addition, Saturday’s match the host Raiders will be broadcast live on ESPN+ … Updates from the matches will also be provided on the team’s X feed and Instagram story: @BallStateWVB.
MAC PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS: The Ball State women’s volleyball team was picked to finish second in the league in the MAC’s annual preseason coaches’ poll … The defending regular season champion Cardinals earned 91 points and three first place votes, trailing only defending tournament champion Toledo (92 points / seven first place votes) … The Rockets also had a slight edge over Ball State in the MAC Women’s Volleyball Championship projections, earning six votes to the Cardinals’ five.
PRESEASON ALL-MAC: Ball State placed three student-athletes on the Preseason All-MAC Team … Representing the squad were senior middles Gwen Crull and Camryn Wise, along with junior defensive specialist/libero Sophie Ledbetter … All three were First Team All-MAC selections last season after helping guide the Cardinals to the league’s regular season title with a 17-1 MAC ledger.
BALL STATE ALL-TIME: Ball State enters the Tru by Hilton Beavercreek Invitational with a 1057-668-2 (.613) all-time record in women’s volleyball … Ball State became the 44th program in NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball history to reach 1,000 wins with a sweep of Central Michigan on Sept. 22, 2023 … All-time, the Cardinals have captured 12 Mid-American Conference West Division Championships, 11 MAC Regular Season Championships and eight MAC Volleyball Championship titles … Ball State has made 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including three of the last six seasons … BSU has also earned two bids into the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC).
BALL STATE IN THE MAC: With a 17-1 record in Mid-American Conference play last season, Ball State maintains its status as the winningest program in league play with a 476-226 (.678) all-time MAC mark … Western Michigan is second on the list, six matches behind the Cardinals at 470-232 (.670).
WHEN IN WORTHEN: The Cardinals boast a 332-104 (.761) all-time record inside Worthen Arena, including an 84-41 (.672) mark against non-conference foes and a 248-63 (.797) ledger versus league foes … No MAC opponent owns a winning record inside Worthen Arena, as the Cardinals have at least a .630 winning percentage against all league schools on its current home floor.
SCOUTING BALL STATE:
• The Ball State women’s volleyball team opened the 2026 season with a pair of wins in South Bend, Indiana, last weekend … The first was a reverse sweep of in-state rival Notre Dame Friday, led by a 13-kill performance from redshirt junior outside Ava Smith … The Cardinals followed with a four-set win over Xavier Saturday, with four players logging double-digit kills.
• For her play in the two games, junior libero Sophie Ledbetter was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week for the third time in her career … Ledbetter led all league players and ranked seventh nationally with a 5.44 digs-per-set average … She also led the charge in limiting BSU’s opponents to a .195 attack percentage.
• As a team, the Cardinals ranked second in the MAC and 12th nationally with a 17.00 digs-per-set average opening weekend … Along with Ledbetter’s 49 total digs, four other Cardinals were credited with at least 20 digs over the two matches, with senior setter Lindsey Green ranking second on the squad at 23 (2.56 per set).
• At the net, senior Gwen Crull finished the weekend ranked eighth in the MAC and 189th nationally with a 1.11 blocks-per-set average … She led the Ball State defense with four blocks versus Notre Dame, while pacing all players with six blocks against Xavier.
• On the offensive front, the Cardinals ran an extremely balanced attack with six attackers smashing double-digit kills for the weekend … Ava Smith led the way with 26, blasting 13 in each match, while junior outside Audrey Geer collected 24 and junior opposite Tiffany Snook was credited with 23.
BALL STATE QUICK HITS:
• With her 49 digs opening weekend, Sophie Ledbetter raised her career total to 951, ironically leaving her 49 shy of becoming the 22nd player in program history to reach 1,000 career digs … Her 26 digs in the season-opener versus Notre Dame (Aug. 28) were one shy of her career high of 27 set Sept. 6, 2024, versus James Madison and tied Sept. 20, 2025, versus Eastern Kentucky.
• With double-digit digs in both matches opening weekend, Sophie Ledbetter raised her career total to 53 matches in double figures … With the effort, Ledbetter climbed two spots into 15th in program history for matches with double-digit digs … She needs eight more matches in double figures to break into the top 10 on BSU’s all-time list.
• Along with her stellar defensive play, which helped keep numerous rallies alive and led to a lot of scoring opportunities for the Cardinals, Sophie Ledbetter finished opening weekend with a perfect reception percentage, going 29-for-29 to lead Ball State’s primary passers … It also raised her career total to 34 matches with a perfect reception percentage.
• Ava Smith shined in her first weekend for the Cardinals, tying her career high with 13 kills in wins over Notre Dame (Aug. 28) and Xavier (Aug. 29) … She also collected a career-high 16 digs in the reverse sweep of the Fighting Irish, giving the transfer from FGCU her first career collegiate double-double.
• Audrey Geer smashed double-digit kills in both matches opening weekend in her Ball State debut, starting with 11 versus Notre Dame (Aug. 28) and adding 13 vs. Xavier (Aug. 29) … The effort raised the Marshall transfer’s career total to 24 matches with double-digit kills … Geer also collected 14 digs in the win over the Musketeers, raising her collegiate double-double total to 14 matches.
• Lindsey Green and Reese Axness continued to split duties in the 6-2 opening weekend, combining to lead the Ball State offense to a .204 attack percentage against a pair of premier opponents … Green led the duo with 57 assists for a 6.33 assists-per-set average, while Axness was not far behind at 41 assists for a 4.56 average … In addition, each recorded one double-double, with Axness securing 11 digs to go along with her 20 assists in the reverse sweep of Notre Dame (Aug. 28), while Green collected 32 assists and 14 digs in the win over Xavier (Aug. 29) … Overall, the pair combined for 98 assists and a 10.89 assists-per-set average which would have ranked second in the league opening weekend.
• The Cardinals welcomed a familiar face back to the lineup opening weekend, as redshirt senior Madison Buckley returned to the court for the first time since the 2024 season … Buckley ranked fourth on the squad with 16 total kills, including a season-high 11 in the win over Xavier (Aug. 29) … In fact, Buckley led all players with a .556 (11-1-18) attack percentage in the match, while also securing five total blocks … Buckley owns a .260 career attack percentage and her second block assist against the Musketeers was the 200th block of her collegiate career.
• Gwen Crull was just as solid in the middle for the Cardinals, reaching double-digit kills for the first eight times in her collegiate career last season … Her best match came at Miami (Oct. 7), when she smashed a career-high 13 kills and hit .522 (13-1-23) … She also collected 12 kills on two occasions; vs. Cincinnati (Sept. 18) and at Akron (Sept. 26) … In MAC play, Crull ranked second on the squad and in the league with a .384 (136-28-281) attack percentage … She also led the squad with a 0.86 blocks-per-set average last season, including a team-high 17 solo blocks.
• Junior opposite Tiffany Snook picked up right where she left off last season, smashing 23 kills for a 2.56 kills-per-set average opening weekend … She started with 12 kills in the reverse sweep of Notre Dame (Aug. 28) and followed with 11 in the win over Xavier (Aug. 29) … It raised Snook’s career total to 15 matches with double-digit kills and gives her three straight after her 12 kills in the MAC Championship semifinals versus Toledo (Nov. 22, 2025).
#########################################################
INDIANA STATE SOFTBALL
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Indiana State softball is set to take the field this fall with a six-game home schedule at Price Field, giving Sycamore fans an early chance to see the program’s returning core and incoming talent.
September 12
• 10:00 a.m. vs SMOW
• 3:00 p.m. vs Lincoln Trail
September 20
• 10:00 a.m. vs Olney
• 12:30 p.m. vs Parkland
October 2
• 1:00 p.m. vs Wabash Valley
All games will be played at Price Field in Terre Haute, with free admission for fans.
#########################################################
PURDUE FT. WAYNE WOMEN’S SOCCER
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Purdue Fort Wayne women’s soccer team returns home Thursday (Sept. 3) to host Valparaiso as part of the department’s annual Party at the Pitch at the Hefner Soccer Complex. The ‘Dons and Beacons kick off at 4 p.m. The Mastodon men’s soccer team will host Manchester at 7 p.m. as part of the festivities. There will be food trucks, giveaways, games and a beer tent (21+). The event is presented by Army ROTC and hosted by the Student Activities Board. Students will receive a free jersey, while the Herd will throw out free water bottles at halftime of each match. The first 350 students will receive a free food voucher. Food trucks include: Drop It Like It’s Tot, Another One Bites the Crust, Chau Time, Who Cut the Cheese, King Arthur’s, Ziffle’s, Sweets on the Street, Dreyer’s Ice Cream and Rita’s.
Game Day Information
Who: Valparaiso Beacons
When: Thursday, September 3 | 4 PM
Know Your Foe
Valparaiso enters Thursday’s match with a 1-3-1 record. The Beacons’ three losses have come at Eastern Illinois, Detroit Mercy and Western Michigan, while their lone win came in a 4-0 victory over Western Illinois. Valparaiso also played to a 2-2 draw at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. The Beacons have scored eight goals on 65 shots this season while allowing nine goals and recording 23 saves. Valparaiso is coming off a 2025 season in which it posted a 5-8-4 overall record and a 2-4-3 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Series History
Valparaiso leads the all-time series 14-6-1, including a 3-0 victory over the Mastodons last season in Valparaiso. Purdue Fort Wayne previously held a four-match winning streak in the series, earning victories in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.
Party at the Pitch History
The Mastodon women are 3-2 all-time in Party at the Pitch contests.
2019
women def. Valparaiso 2-0
men def. Belmont 2-1
2021
women def. UIC 2-0
2022
men lose to Western Michigan 3-0
2023
women def. Robert Morris 2-0
2024
women lose to Central Michigan 6-1
men def. IU East 10-0
2025
women lose to Ball State 1-0
men def. Manchester 3-0
Last Time Out
The Purdue Fort Wayne women’s soccer team fell 3-0 on the road at Eastern Illinois on Sunday (Aug. 30). Bella Masse and Mary McArdle led the Mastodons with two shots each, while McArdle also recorded Purdue Fort Wayne’s lone shot on goal. The Mastodons matched Eastern Illinois with four corners apiece for the match.
Coming Up
The Mastodons will travel to Illinois State on Sunday (Sept. 6) for a 2 p.m. ET kickoff.
############################################################
PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S SOCCER
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Purdue Fort Wayne men’s soccer team hosts Manchester on Thursday (Sept. 3) as part of the department’s annual Party at the Pitch at the Hefner Soccer Complex. The ‘Dons and Spartans kick off at 7 p.m. The Mastodon women’s soccer team will host Valparaiso at 4 p.m. as part of the festivities. There will be food trucks, giveaways, games and a beer tent (21+). The event is presented by Army ROTC and hosted by the Student Activities Board. Students will receive a free jersey, while the Herd will throw out free water bottles at halftime of each match. The first 350 students will receive a free food voucher. Food trucks include: Drop It Like It’s Tot, Another One Bites the Crust, Chau Time, Who Cut the Cheese, King Arthur’s, Ziffle’s, Sweets on the Street, Dreyer’s Ice Cream and Rita’s.
Game Day Information
Who: Manchester Spartans
When: Thursday, September 3 | 7 PM
Know Your Foe
Manchester opened the 2026 season with a 2-1 victory at Defiance on Tuesday (Sept. 1). Last season, the Spartans finished with a 3-10-4 overall record and a 2-6-1 mark in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Manchester scored 10 goals on 142 shots, while allowing 22 and making 101 saves. In head coach Olaoluwade Ladapo’s second season at the helm, Manchester was picked to finish eighth in the 2026 HCAC Preseason Poll.
Series History
Manchester leads the all-time series 9-6-0; however, the two teams met for the first time in 42 years last season, where the Mastodons came away with a 3-0 victory.
Party at the Pitch History
The Mastodon men are 3-1 all-time in Party at the Pitch contests.
2019
women def. Valparaiso 2-0
men def. Belmont 2-1
2021
women def. UIC 2-0
2022
men lose to Western Michigan 3-0
2023
women def. Robert Morris 2-0
2024
women lose to Central Michigan 6-1
men def. IU East 10-0
2025
women lose to Ball State 1-0
men def. Manchester 3-0
Last Time Out
The Purdue Fort Wayne men’s soccer team fell 2-1 on the road at Dayton on Monday (Aug. 31). Brandon Razo scored his first collegiate goal in the 14th minute. Razo led the Mastodons with two shots, while Karsten Ternes, Ben Hissrich, Davan Arias and Eason Haller each recorded a shot.
Poll
Purdue Fort Wayne was picked to finish fourth in the 2026 Horizon League Preseason Poll. The ‘Dons were edged by Cleveland State (111), Green Bay (95) and league-newcomer Northern Illinois (92).
Coming Up
The Mastodons will conclude non-league action against Defiance on Wednesday (Sept. 9) at the Hefner Soccer Complex.
###########################################################
EVANSVILLE VOLLEYBALL
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women’s soccer team will honor a seven-member senior class at Arad McCutchan Stadium on Thursday, celebrating Senior Night against Austin Peay. The Purple Aces being recognized include Bri Chirpich (Gladstone, Mo./Hawaii), Elke Travis (Henderson, Nev./Faith Lutheran HS), Taylor Johnson (Evansville, Ind./Reitz HS), A’Liyah Warrick (Mableton, Ga./Campbell HS), Brooklyn Robinson (West Haven, Utah/Fremont HS), Ashlyn Koutsos (Cumming, Ga./West Forsyth HS), and Ella Hamner (Evansville, Ind./Memorial HS). Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT.
Evansville vs Austin Peay | Thursday, September 3 | 6 PM CT
Site | Location Arad McCutchan Stadium | Evansville, Ind.
Links 6:00 PM CT: Live Stats | TV: ESPN+
Last Time Out
Evansville suffered their first loss of the season Thursday night, falling 3-1 to Lindenwood at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
Lindenwood struck first in the 11th minute, taking an early 1-0 lead. Evansville’s defense settled in following the goal, limiting the Lions to just three shots for the remainder of the first half and taking the 1-0 deficit into the break.
The Aces responded early in the second half, finding the equalizer in the 60th minute. Following a corner kick, Lily Kytasaari (Platte City, Mo./Platte County HS) found the back of the net from in front of the goal to record her first goal of the season. Brooklyn Robinson was credited with the assist, giving her a team-leading three points on the season.
Lindenwood quickly regained the lead, scoring in the 63rd and 64th minutes to take a 3-1 advantage.
Lindenwood out-shot Evansville 11-7 overall. Ella Hamner led the Aces with two shots, while Emmy Brenner (Arlington, Tenn./St. Benedict at Auburndale HS) and Reagan Vaughan (Franklin, Tenn./Fred J Page HS) each recorded a shot on goal.
Series History
Thursday marks the 12th all-time meeting between Evansville and Austin Peay. The Purple Aces hold the series lead at 6-3-2. Evansville won the last meeting, a 1-0 victory in 2025.
Scouting Austin Peay
Austin Peay brings a 0-4-1 record into Thursday’s game. The last time out for the Governors came on Sunday, a 1-1 draw against Indiana State.
######################################################
SOUTHERN INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer closes its two-match home set Thursday at 7 p.m. when the Screaming Eagles host Arkansas State University at Strassweg Field.
Thursday’s game was moved to 7 p.m. from its original 4 p.m. start because of the forecast extreme heat. Admission to Thursday’s match and all USI Women’s Soccer home matches is free thanks to ProRehab.
Thursday’s match will not be streamed on ESPN+. Live stats and coverage are available at usiscreamingeagles.com.
USI Women’s Soccer (0-3-2) heads into Thursday’s tilt under the lights coming off a 3-0 home loss last Sunday against Purdue University. Statistically, USI tallied seven shots and four on goal, while its defense held Purdue, the nation’s top attacking team heading into the match, to its season-low 21 shots and eight on goal.
Freshmen midfielders Shea Krakowski and Liza Anderson led the Screaming Eagles with two shots each against Purdue. Krakowski had a team-high two shots on target. Sophomore goalkeeper Merrick Schwalbach matched her career high with five saves in goal.
This season, junior forward Josie Pochocki and graduate forward Payton Seymour are tied for the team lead with nine shots taken. Pochocki is also tied with sophomore midfielder Olivia Hass with a team-high four shots on goal. Junior defender Emma Schut owns USI’s lone goal so far. In goal, Schwalbach has a 1.40 GAA with 18 saves and two shutouts.
Thursday’s match will be USI’s last home game until September 20, as the Screaming Eagles get set to embark on a four-match road stretch over the next two weeks. USI started the season with five of its first six matches at home.
Arkansas State (1-2-2) enters Thursday unbeaten in its last three matches, going 1-0-2. The Red Wolves are only set to play their second road match so far, as they opened the season at Lipscomb University. A road trip to Mississippi State University on August 20 was canceled. With the cancellation, Arkansas State has played four straight at home.
The Red Wolves are coming off a 2-2 tie on Sunday against Alabama State University. Arkansas State led 2-1 in the middle of the second half before Alabama State scored an equalizer. Arkansas State outshot Alabama State 24-8 overall and 10-5 in shots on goal.
Freshman midfielder Elleigh Newcomb leads Arkansas State in scoring, accounting for three of the team’s seven goals, while also having the most shots with nine taken. Junior forward Lucia Flores is second on the squad with two goals. Between the posts, senior goalkeeper Taylor Sweat has played every minute, posting a 1.60 GAA with 16 saves.
The Screaming Eagles and Red Wolves have met only once before, in 2024 at Arkansas State. Arkansas State came away with a 3-0 victory.
#######################################################
SOUTHERN INDIANA MEN’S SOCCER
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer fell narrowly in its home opener to Indiana University Indianapolis 1-0 on Wednesday night despite outshooting the Jaguars fourteen to nine.
The Screaming Eagles (0-1-2) came up just shy against the Jaguars (3-1-0) in a hard-fought matchup where USI was unable to find a breakthrough on 14 shots and 12 corner kicks.
Senior midfielder Garrett Morris led the team with three shots and two on goal, followed by sophomore midfielder Edin Cvorovic and freshman defender Bryce Siegel with two shots each. Cvorovic had two on target. Sophomore goalkeeper Jacob English led the team from a defensive front, surrendering one goal on a penalty kick and gathering seven saves.
To open the match, the Screaming Eagles were on IU Indy’s side for most of the first 20 minutes of the match, taking two shots and earning two corner kicks. Morris had a shot toward the bottom left corner of the goal that was saved.
USI continued their aggressive offensive approach going into the hydration break, highlighted by Cvorovic just missing on a rebound shot, as IU Indy’s goalkeeper made a leaping save to send it over the crossbar.
IU Indy capitalized on a USI foul in the box, shooting a penalty kick into the back of the net to put the Jaguars up 1-0 in the 29th minute.
USI battled for the final 16 minutes of the first half, stringing together multiple corner kicks but were unable to find the equalizer before halftime.
The Screaming Eagles opened the second half on the defensive front. English earned two quick saves to prevent a second goal.
As the action got heated and the physicality ramped up, the Screaming Eagles resumed their aggressive offensive approach. However, USI was unable to take advantage of three corner kicks.
English continued his strong defensive showing, adding two more saves leading into the 70th minute of play.
From then on, the Screaming Eagles outshot the Jaguars four to one, including one on goal, and generated three corner opportunities. However, USI could not find the leveling goal before the final whistle.
The Screaming Eagles (0-1-2) will continue their two-game homestand against the Bellarmine University Knights (2-0-1) on Tuesday, September 8, at 5 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and live stats will be available on usiscreamingeagles.com.
##########################################################
SOUTHERN INDIANA WOMEN’S SOCCER
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer closes its two-match home set Thursday at 7 p.m. when the Screaming Eagles host Arkansas State University at Strassweg Field.
Thursday’s game was moved to 7 p.m. from its original 4 p.m. start because of the forecast extreme heat. Admission to Thursday’s match and all USI Women’s Soccer home matches is free thanks to ProRehab.
Thursday’s match will not be streamed on ESPN+. Live stats and coverage are available at usiscreamingeagles.com.
USI Women’s Soccer (0-3-2) heads into Thursday’s tilt under the lights coming off a 3-0 home loss last Sunday against Purdue University. Statistically, USI tallied seven shots and four on goal, while its defense held Purdue, the nation’s top attacking team heading into the match, to its season-low 21 shots and eight on goal.
Freshmen midfielders Shea Krakowski and Liza Anderson led the Screaming Eagles with two shots each against Purdue. Krakowski had a team-high two shots on target. Sophomore goalkeeper Merrick Schwalbach matched her career high with five saves in goal.
This season, junior forward Josie Pochocki and graduate forward Payton Seymour are tied for the team lead with nine shots taken. Pochocki is also tied with sophomore midfielder Olivia Hass with a team-high four shots on goal. Junior defender Emma Schut owns USI’s lone goal so far. In goal, Schwalbach has a 1.40 GAA with 18 saves and two shutouts.
Thursday’s match will be USI’s last home game until September 20, as the Screaming Eagles get set to embark on a four-match road stretch over the next two weeks. USI started the season with five of its first six matches at home.
Arkansas State (1-2-2) enters Thursday unbeaten in its last three matches, going 1-0-2. The Red Wolves are only set to play their second road match so far, as they opened the season at Lipscomb University. A road trip to Mississippi State University on August 20 was canceled. With the cancellation, Arkansas State has played four straight at home.
The Red Wolves are coming off a 2-2 tie on Sunday against Alabama State University. Arkansas State led 2-1 in the middle of the second half before Alabama State scored an equalizer. Arkansas State outshot Alabama State 24-8 overall and 10-5 in shots on goal.
Freshman midfielder Elleigh Newcomb leads Arkansas State in scoring, accounting for three of the team’s seven goals, while also having the most shots with nine taken. Junior forward Lucia Flores is second on the squad with two goals. Between the posts, senior goalkeeper Taylor Sweat has played every minute, posting a 1.60 GAA with 16 saves.
The Screaming Eagles and Red Wolves have met only once before, in 2024 at Arkansas State. Arkansas State came away with a 3-0 victory.
############################################################
UINDY FOOTBALL
WACO, Texas – The UIndy football team held steady at No. 9 in this week’s AFCA Division II Coaches Poll, released Wednesday. The Greyhounds are coming a convincing 39-7 win versus crosstown Marian University in the season opening last week.
The Hounds are positioned even better in the weekly D2Football.com media poll, coming in at No. 6 this week. Defending-champ Ferris State sits atop both rankings, while UIndy’s upcoming opponent Findlay was ranked No. 15 by the coaches.
AFCA DIVISION II COACHES POLL
RK SCHOOL (1st-place votes) REC PTS PREV
1. Ferris St. (31) 1-0 775 1
2. Harding 0-0 743 2
3. Kutztown 0-0 708 3
4. Minnesota St. 1-0 671 5
5. CSU Pueblo 1-0 645 6
6. Central Washington 0-0 585 7
7. Grand Valley St. 1-0 568 T-9
8. Northwest Missouri St. 1-0 561 8
9. UIndy 1-0 517 T-9
10. Pittsburg St. 0-1 492 4
11. Western Colorado 1-0 482 11
12. Ashland 0-0 414 13
13. Newberry 0-0 372 15
14. Frostburg St. 0-0 310 17
15. Findlay 0-0 296 16
16. Augustana (S.D.) 1-0 262 20
17. Western Oregon 1-0 258 22
18. Slippery Rock 1-0 200 NR
19. Minnesota-Duluth 0-1 185 12
20. Ouachita Baptist 0-0 161 24
21. Lenoir-Rhyne 1-0 145 NR
22. Indiana (Pa.) 0-0 110 25
23. Valdosta St. 1-0 94 NR
24. Northeastern St. 1-0 75 NR
25. Fort Hays St. 1-0 62 NR
Others Receiving Votes: Benedict, 55; UNC Pembroke, 47; UT Permian Basin, 41; Virginia Union, 38; Central Oklahoma, 36; Michigan Tech, 34; Albany St., 30; North Greenville, 22; Northwood, 18; Wingate, 18; California (Pa.), 11; Southern Arkansas, 9; East Stroudsburg, 6; Assumption, 5; Johnson C. Smith, 5; Davenport, 3; Carson-Newman, 2; Upper Iowa, 2; Charleston, 1; Virginia St., 1.
#####################################################
UINDY MEN’S SOCCER
INDIANAPOLIS – The UIndy men’s soccer team fell on the road 1-0 to the University of Findlay Oilers in their final game of non-conference play.
Through the opening 10 minutes each side felt out the game, trading possessions and set piece opportunities before UIndy attempted to strike first.
In the 16th minute Erik Ingstrom took the first shot of the game, but was stopped by the Findlay keeper.
Immediately after the Findlay save, the Oilers responded with a shot on target and the first goal to sneak past the Greyhounds all season. UIndy lost possession soon after, letting up another shot, but the Oilers were off the mark on their second attempt of the game.
After the 17th minute goal, the Greyhounds looked for an equalizer with a free kick and corner kick in the 19th minute, but were unable to find a touch to challenge the Oiler keeper.
As halftime approached physical play continued form both sides with each team picking up a number of free kicks before the Greyhounds sent in two more shots before the close of the first half.
Findlay dominated possession early in the second half before the Hounds pushed towards the Findlay goal after the 50 minute mark. In the 54th Alejandro Zuniga took his second shot attempt of the game, but just missed the target.
Both teams then struggled to find the opportunity to find a quality chance until the final 10 minutes of action when each side pushed forward with the Oilers looking to slam the door, but the Greyhounds continued to limit the offensive efforts of the hosts.
However, despite a handful of chances around the Findlay box, the Greyhounds were unable to find their equalizer.
The Greyhounds return to action Saturday, Sept. 5 at 3:30 p.m. against Rockhurst in their first conference contest of the season.
#####################################################
MARIAN MEN’S SOCCER
INDIANAPOLIS – The Marian men’s soccer team kicked off a late home matchup on Wednesday evening against Saint Xavier. The Knights finished the match with a 4-1 win over the Cougars. Samuel Wehaus led the team, recording a brace.
The Knights opened up the match in a frenzy with Leonard Assouan and Samuel Wehaus scoring two quick goals in the opening five minutes of play. Marian continued to control the match, recording four more shots before Saint Xavier could strike. The Cougars maintained their first bit of possession at the 32nd minute, recording a shot that was saved by Tristan Edwards in goal. Marian took back possession, recording their final shot of the half, but it came just shy of the goal, hitting the post and going into halftime with the 2-0 lead.
Saint Xavier came out of halftime striking early with a high shot off the goal. Marian was quick to counter with a header from Wehaus off of Gerald Ramirez’s pass to extend the lead to three. The Cougars continued to make strides with a pair of blocked shots before each side traded a shot just high of the target. After 20 minutes of back-and-forth action, Josh Wesseling hit the back of the net, extending the lead to four with 20 minutes left to play. Leonard Assouan took another chance but aimed a shot wide before the Cougars were able to follow up with a pair of shots that were saved by Edwards in goal. In the 81st minute, Saint Xavier was able to benefit from a penalty kick to get on the board and bring the Knights’ lead down to three. Richard Faleye attempted one final shot, but it was saved by the Cougars’ goalie to end the game with the 4-1 win for Marian.
Leonard Assouan led the team with three shots, with one on target as well as one goal and one assist on the evening. Samuel Wehaus led the Knights in goals with a pair while Joao Antonio Rocha and Gerald Ramirez each recorded an assist. In goal, Tristan Edwards took the win, recording three saves in the match.
######################################################
MARIAN VOLLEYBALL
Goshen, Ind. —- The Marian University Volleyball team earned a road sweep over Goshen College to improve to 2-0 in Crossroads League action on Wednesday night.
The Knights improve to 10-4 overall on the season. Marian joins Grace, Mount Vernon Nazarene and Indiana Wesleyan as teams in the Crossroads League to start the year 2-0 in conference play.
Official statistics are still being finalized from the match. The recap will be updated when those statistics are made available.
Marian hits the road to Parkville, Missouri for their final non-conference play of the regular season. The Knights face Central Baptist and host Park on Friday before finishing the weekend with a matchup with Mission on Saturday.
#########################################################
ROSE HULMAN WOMEN’S SOCCER
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Rose-Hulman thrived in their season opener against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, as the team achieved a 5-0 victory at home.
Rose-Hulman nearly got on the board seven minutes into the game as junior Sydnee Schuler recorded a shot on goal that was saved by Cileen Saif. Junior Iliana Hernandez would add consecutive shots on goal in the 13th minute, which would also be deflected away.
Freshman Isabel Perron nearly recorded the first goal of her career in the 43rd minute as she fired a shot down the middle that was caught by the keeper. The half would conclude with both teams tied at 0-0, with the Fightin’ Engineers outshooting the Pomeroys 10-1.
Ten minutes into the first half, freshman Madison Fleury made a downfield pass to senior Meagan Hall. Hall took a few dribbles, and kicked a shot past the keeper, as Rose-Hulman broke through with their first goal of the game.
The Fightin’ Engineers would nearly score their second goal of the game in the 65th minute, as sophomore Makayla Doherty’s shot from outside the box sailed past the keeper, but just deflected off the top left corner of the goal.
In the 72nd minute, senior Emma Johns received a pass on the left side from Fleury. She dribbled into the box, and her shot rolled in between the keeper’s legs, putting RHIT up 2-0.
Following the goal, Rose-Hulman caught fire as senior Lena Darini headed in a 74th minute goal off a lob pass from freshman Delaney Untermeyer. Darini’s dominance continued as she scored her second goal of the game, three minutes later as she fired a shot in from the right side on an assist from Johns and Fleury.
The Fightin’ Engineers were awarded a throw in deep in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods territory in the 79th minute. Johns’ throw bounced off the ground, and it connected with freshman Delaney Untermeyer. Untermeyer would fire her first touch into the back of the night, scoring the first goal of her collegiate career, to secure the 5-0 victory for Rose-Hulman.
Lena Darini scored a team-high two goals while attempting four shots which were all on target.
Emma Johns recorded three goal contributions, as she scored one goal while adding two assists.
In her first collegiate appearance, Madison Fleury recorded a team-high three assists.
The Fightin’ Engineers dominated on both ends of the field, attempting 16 shots on goal, while their defense allowed just one shot on goal.
Rose-Hulman will look to improve to 2-0 as they journey to Decatur, Ill. to take on Millikin. The match will be held on Saturday, September 5 at 8 PM ET, 7 PM CT.
#######################################################
TAYLOR MEN’S SOCCER
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Taylor peppered the attacking end with 23 shot attempts but couldn’t find the game-winning strike, as the Trojans played to a scoreless draw against Michigan-Dearborn Wednesday at The Hawk.
TU remained unbeaten and moved to 3-0-2 on the season, while UM-Dearborn went to 1-1-2 overall.
Naté Olubiyi led the Trojan attack with five shots, two on frame, and Ty Ruhl and Dafe Akpoguma each forced saves out of UM-Dearborn’s Mohammad Bader in the run of play. At the other end, Connor Shaw made both of his stops count, turning away UM-Dearborn’s only two shots on goal to preserve the clean sheet.
TU controlled the match from the opening whistle, outshooting the Wolverines 15-0 in the first half alone. Ruhl and Akpoguma both drew saves from Bader inside the opening 15 minutes, and TU continued to generate chances the rest of the half through corner kicks from Ruhl and Luka Gole, but UM-Dearborn’s defense held its shape and Bader kept turning shots away.
In the second half, TU kept pressing while the hosts were denied by Shaw in back-to-back saves in the 51st and 54th minutes. Tadé Adeyemi rose for a header in the final minutes, but Bader was there again for the save.
TU finished with a 23-3 advantage in shots and 7-2 in corner kicks but couldn’t turn the volume into the go-ahead goal. The match also had a physical edge, with the two sides combining for 28 fouls and seven yellow cards.
TU returns to action Saturday at 7 p.m. against Rochester Christian at the Michigan Stars Soccer Complex in Washington, Michigan.
#####################################################
TAYLOR WOMEN’S SOCCER
UPLAND, Ind. – No. 17 Taylor overcame an early deficit and shook free in the second half for a 4-1 win over Indiana Tech on Wednesday at Turner Stadium, extending the program’s series win streak against the Warriors to 12 in a row.
Playing through 90-degree temperatures, TU (3-0-1) stayed hot and pushed its non-conference unbeaten streak to 14 games, while Indiana Tech dropped to 0-3-1 on the season.
TU controlled the shot column throughout, posting a 38-2 advantage and an 11-0 edge on corner kicks, though it took until the 54th minute to find a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
Isidora Pozo put Indiana Tech ahead in the 14th minute, stealing possession at midfield and beating a retreating Ava Callaway with a shot from 30 yards out. It was Pozo’s first goal of the season and the first goal surrendered by the Trojans this season in over 280 minutes.
TU leveled the match in the 34th minute when Ruah Havens pounced after the Warriors couldn’t clear a corner kick, cleaning up the loose ball for her second goal of the season. The 1-1 score held through halftime despite a 16-1 shot advantage for TU in the opening 45 minutes.
TU broke through in the 54th minute as Emma Swygart’s shot from 20 yards bent off the far post, and Leah McQuade was there to tap in the rebound and put TU ahead for good. McQuade struck again in the 66th minute, converting a penalty kick for her team-leading fourth goal of the season. The senior forward has recorded 21 career goals and seven game-winning strikes.
Lauryn Dolvin capped the scoring in the 88th minute, finishing off a rebound after a Lydia Bailey shot was punched away by Indiana Tech goalkeeper Madison Strain, who made 10 saves on 14 shots on goal. For the freshman Dolvin, the goal marked her third on the season.
TU’s defense limited Indiana Tech to two shots for the match. Callaway made the start in goal before giving way to Marisa Reinhard for the second half, who stopped the only shot on target she faced.
TU returns to Turner Stadium on Saturday to host receiving-votes Aquinas at 1 p.m., part of a tripleheader on campus with home volleyball and football games.
######################################################
INDIANA SMALL COLLEGE WEB SITES
UINDY ATHLETICS: https://athletics.uindy.edu/
MARIAN ATHLETICS: https://muknights.com/
INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/
EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/
WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/
FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/
ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/
ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index
TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index
BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/
DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/
HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/
HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/
OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/
ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index
IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/
IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/
IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/
PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/
INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx
GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/
GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/
HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
#####################################################
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
1889 – Indianapolis gets a last-second reprieve in the 9th inning when the umpire calls time just before Con Daily apparently makes the last out of the game. Batting again, Daily singles home two runs to cap a six-run rally to beat Boston, 8 – 7.
1894:
Taking over for fired manager Al Buckenberger, Connie Mack leads the Pirates to a 22 – 1 rout of his former team, the Washington Senators.
OF Joe Kelley has a great day as he goes 9-for-9 when the Orioles sweep a doubleheader from Cleveland, 13 – 2 and 16 – 3. Kelley hits four doubles and a triple.
1901:
The Orphans drub the Giants, 10 – 4, putting New York in last place. New York will next play Pittsburgh, hosting the Pirates in three straight doubleheaders. Pittsburgh will win all six, scoring not less than ten runs in each game. Not until the year 2000, when the Mariners lose seven straight from August 13-20, all by nine or more runs, will a team allow 9+ runs in seven straight games.
Baltimore P Joe McGinnity hurls two complete games against Milwaukee, winning, 10 – 0, and losing, 6 – 1. The Brewers manage 15 hits on the afternoon off McGinnity, who will set a 20th-century record for most hits allowed during a season (401).
Cleveland rookie Bill Cristall debuts with a 4 – 0 gem over Boston, a first in the fledgling American League. Cristall allows five hits in the win in the second game of a doubleheader. Teammate Earl Moore shuts out faltering Boston on two hits in the opener to win, 1 – 0, over Ted Lewis.
1903:
On the heels of a string of rainouts, Hudson sweeps Poughkeepsie (Hudson River League) in the 20th century’s only quadruple-header, winning by scores of 2 – 1, 6 – 4, 3 – 1 and 4 – 2. Future Hall of Fame member Dan Brouthers plays for the Poughkeepsie team.
Cleveland P Jesse Stovall hurls an 11-inning shutout in his first major league start, defeating Detroit, 1 – 0. It is the longest shutout ever in a pitching debut.
Boston beats the A’s, 6 – 5, in 12 innings as Cy Young earns his 25th win of the year.
1904 – Syracuse (New York State League) beats Scranton three times in a triple-header.
1905 – Pittsburgh’s Deacon Phillippe and Chicago’s Bob Wicker hook up in a ten-inning scoreless duel, each allowing just three hits, before Chicago pushes across a run to win. In the nitecap, Lefty Leifield makes his major league debut and fires a 1 – 0 win over Chicago in a game stopped after six innings.
1906:
Ty Cobb is back in the Detroit lineup for the first time in six weeks. He has a single and steal, but he misplays a Charlie Hemphill fly ball into a home run, and the Tigers lose, 1 – 0, to the Browns’ Barney Pelty. Rain stops the game after seven innings.
The Philadelphia Giants win the Negro Championship Cup on Labor Day in Philadelphia before 10,000 fans, black baseball’s largest crowd ever. Rube Foster pitches them to a 3 – 2 victory over the Cuban X-Giants, who have John Henry Lloyd in the lineup.
Kid Elberfeld, the hot-headed Tabasco Kid, assaults umpire Silk O’Loughlin and is forcibly removed by police in the first game of a doubleheader, a 4 – 3 New York win over the Athletics. In the second game, New York baserunner Willie Keeler collides with SS Lave Cross trying to field a ground ball, and two runs score. O’Loughlin sees no interference, a call so hotly disputed by A’s captain Harry Davis that, after eight minutes of arguing, the umpire forfeits the game to New York. For New York, it is a major-league record fifth straight doubleheader sweep in consecutive days.
At the Polo Grounds, the Giants flatten the Beaneaters twice, 4 – 0 and 3 – 2. Christy Mathewson wins his 17th in the opener, beating a wild Jeff Pfeffer. Cy Seymour completes the scoring with a solo homer in the 8th inning. Hooks Wiltse, in relief of Red Ames, wins the nitecap.
1907 – The Giants and Superbas split a doubleheader. New York takes the opener, 2 – 0, behind Luther Taylor, then Brooklyn takes the nitecap, 1 – 0, in seven innings, behind the eight-hit pitching of Jim Pastorius. The Superbas score on a single, two walks, and a wild pitch by Christy Mathewson.
1913 – Boston sidearmer Lefty Tyler spins a one-hitter over the Giants to win, 2 – 1. The Braves reach Christy Mathewson for eight hits and two runs.
1915:
Cleveland 1B Jay Kirke swings at a wild pitch for strike three and reaches first base. Cleveland beats the White Sox, who protest on the grounds that the rules did not permit Kirke to take first. The protest is upheld and the game ordered replayed.
Ernie Shore is victorious over the A’s, 10 – 2, giving the first-place Red Sox their sixth straight win.
1917:
In a twinbill that will resonate for years, the White Sox sweep a pair, to give them four wins in the last two days, from the Tigers winning, 7 – 5 and 11 – 8, while the Yankees sweep a pair from the Red Sox. Chicago now leads the Red Sox by 6 1/2 games. Detroit takes the lead in the morning game, driving Red Faber from the mound in the 5th, but Ray Schalk’s triple in the 8th seals the win for Chicago. In the afternoon contest, Detroit again chases Faber and scores seven runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings to take the lead, but Schalk’s three-run homer in the 4th, off Bill James, puts Chicago in a lead they never relinquish. Ed Cicotte takes the p.m. game with six innings of relief, while Lefty Williams pitches three innings of hitless relief to win the a.m. game. The Sox run wild on the bases, stealing seven bases against Oscar Stanage in the opener and five against Archie Yelle in the second game. Two weeks from now, while staying at the Ansonia Hotel in New York, the White Sox will collect $45 from each player as a gift for the Tigers, allegedly as a thank you for beating the Red Sox. But suspicion will linger that some Tigers threw these two critical doubleheaders and Ty Cobb, though he had three hits, will be included in the accusations.
Phillies hurler Grover Cleveland Alexander goes the distance in both games of a doubleheader as Philadelphia sweeps the Robins, 5 – 0 and 9 – 3.
At Shibe Park, the A’s host their biggest crowd in three years and celebrate by sweeping a pair from the Senators, 7 – 4 and 9 – 2. Joe Bush, reinstated today by Connie Mack after being suspended for two weeks, starts for the A’s but is lifted after three innings because of wildness. Roy Grover and Amos Strunk have three hits apiece in the opener. In the second game, the Mackmen jump on Walter Johnson, knocking him off the rubber in the 3rd inning, and Jing Johnson coasts to the win.
1920 – At Cincinnati, Reds recruit Monty Swartz makes his big-league debut, hurling a 12-inning complete game, scattering 17 hits, and losing to the Cards, 6 – 3. He adds a 2 for 4 performance at the bat, but never plays another game in the majors.
1921 – Powered by Babe Ruth’s 50th homer and the pitching of Carl Mays, the Yankees down the host Senators, 9 – 3.
1922 – The Giants pull off a 2nd-inning triple play against the Phils. With runners on first and second base Jimmy Smith pops up and the infield fly rule is called. Although Smith is called out, Frankie Frisch fails to catch the ball, and the runners take off. Giants right fielder Ross Youngs picks the ball up and the relay catches runner Cliff Lee at third base for out number two. 3B Heinie Groh’s throw and relay catch Sam Leslie at first base for the third out. The Giants then break a 7 – 7 tie in the 9th when Frisch scores from second base on a muffed 6-3 play that Phils pitcher Jimmy Ring bobbles.
1924:
Nip Winters of the Hilldale Club no-hits the Harrisburg Giants, 2 – 0, at Harrisburg’s Island Park. It is the first no-hitter in the history of the Eastern Colored League and the second of Winters’ career. He misses a perfect game when Jake Stephens bobbles an easy grounder.
Pitcher Wilbur Cooper of Pittsburgh has two hits to set a record 16-game hitting streak for pitchers. During the streak from June 23rd through today, Cooper goes 23-for-58 for a .397 batting average. There are three games during this streak in which Cooper pitched but didn’t have a plate appearance.
1925:
After a recent incident on a train, when Cubs manager Rabbit Maranville anointed various passengers from a spittoon, Chicago relieves the Rabbit of the burdens of managership. Chicago hastily appoints George Gibson, former skipper of the Pirates, as manager for the remainder of the season. The Cubs were 23-30 under Maranville, and Chicago will cut the last tie when they waive the veteran in November.
The first-place Senators continue their march toward a second straight pennant with a 9 – 3 roughing up of Red Ruffing and the Red Sox. Roger Peckinpaugh leads the way, going 3 for 4 with a triple. Alex Ferguson, Yankee castoff, is the winner. The idle A’s drop six games off the pace.
The Cardinals score five runs in the 9th to break the first-place Pirates’ nine-game win streak, winning 9 – 3. Rogers Hornsby, the majors’ leading hitter at .387, has three hits including his 37th homer of the year to pace the attack. Babe Adams, who takes over for Emil Yde in the 9th, is hammered for four hits and five runs, but the loss goes to Yde. Art Reinhart is the winner.
The second-place Giants top the Phillies, 5 – 4, on Bill Terry’s solo homer in the 10th inning. Starter Dutch Ulrich tees up the homer, losing to Art Nehf who pitches the last 6+ innings.
1926 – In a 17 – 3 Giants cakewalk over the Braves, the Giants unload for a National League record 12 runs in the 5th inning. Young Mel Ott plays five innings and goes 3 for 3. He also steals a base. The 17-year-old star will hit .383 in 35 games this year.
1927:
Doc Gautreau of the Boston Braves steals home twice in a game against Brooklyn to tie the major league record. This feat will not be repeated until Vic Power does it in 1958.
Lefty Grove pitches his only shutout of the year, beating the Yankees, 1 – 0.
1928:
The A’s are set back as the Senators stop them twice, 6 – 1 and 5 – 4. Bump Hadley wins the opener, scattering six hits and striking out eight. Ty Cobb makes the last of his 4,191 hits, the 724th double of his career, as an A’s pinch hitter in the 9th inning against Hadley. In the nitecap, Garland Braxton is the winner over George Earnshaw.
Pirates RF Adam Comorosky handles nine putouts, tying the record for that position.
1932:
Winning 3 – 0, Dizzy Dean stops the Cubs’ winning streak in the second game of a doubleheader after Chicago wins its 14th straight in the opener. Diz fans seven to further increase his league-leading total. The Cubs take the opener, 5 – 4, in 11 innings
Against the Red Sox, Jimmie Foxx of the A’s poles his 50th and 51st home runs to become the third player to reach 50 in a season, joining Babe Ruth and Hack Wilson. Foxx’s second homer, in the 9th, ties the game at 4 – 4, and Eric McNair follows with a game-winning home run.
1933:
At Boston, Dolf Luque comes to the aid of the Giants, pitching the last eight innings and knocking in the winning run in the 14th. The Giants shade the Braves, 4 – 3, then tie, 4 – 4, as a curfew ends the duel with two out in the 9th. Ben Cantwell pitches well in the second game as all the Giants’ runs are unearned. The Braves draw 40,000 today and 140,000 for the four games with first-place New York, more than they drew the entire season of 1928.
Bosox pitcher Ivy Andrews allows just four Senator hits through eight innings, then a single, walk and pinch single by Cliff Bolton clips Ivy, 3 – 2. Monte Weaver wins, sending the Senators 8 1/2 games in the lead.
Wes Ferrell easily gains his 11th victory as the Indians scalp the White Sox, 11 – 3. Ferrell hits a homer and Joe Vosmik collects four hits for Cleveland.
At Cincinnati, the Reds clip the Pirates, 9 – 3, the first loss for the Bucs in nine games. The Pirates now trail the Giants by eight games. Red Lucas goes all the way for the win, as the Reds shell rookie Ralph Birkofer. After the game, Edd Roush’s old-timers defeat Buck Herzog’s Nine, 8 – 5, called after five innings on account of “tiredness.” Ninety-three old-timers turn out and about half take a turn at the plate. Roush’s squad includes Pat Duncan, Larry Kopf, Bill Rariden, and Rube Bressler, all stars on the 1919 Reds team. Donie Bush and Honus Wagner are the shortstops.
1934:
Labor Day doubleheaders define the standings for the final pennant surge. Detroit, rained out in Chicago, holds a five-game lead over the Yankees, who split a pair with the A’s. Lefty Gomez wins his tenth straight and 24th overall in the opener, and Jimmie Foxx hits his 40th homer in the second game.
The Giants are rained out but move six games ahead of the Cardinals, as the Deans have a double disaster in Pittsburgh. Paul Dean loses the first game, 12 – 2, and Dizzy Dean fails to hold the lead in the second game and is the losing pitcher with a final score of 6 – 5. The Cards drop to a tie with the Cubs, who split a pair with the Reds.
Washington’s player-manager Joe Cronin collides with Boston’s Wes Ferrell in a play at first base. Cronin fractures a bone in his arm and is out for the season. The Senators, last year’s champs, will finish seventh.
1935 – Judge Landis rules against a $1,500 fine the Reds imposed on injured Chick Hafey, who had left the team for his home in California after asking to be placed on the voluntary disabled list. Hafey had chronic sinus and sight problems in addition to an injured shoulder. Landis grants Hafey’s request and places him on the list.
1936 – Red Sox hurler Wes Ferrell ends Luke Appling’s White Sox club-record 27-game hitting streak.
1938 – Rudy York of the Tigers hits his fourth grand slam, tying the major league season record.
1939 – With the 6:30 Sunday curfew approaching, the Yankees start making deliberate outs, stalling to avoid a loss in Boston. Irate Fenway Park fans litter the field with cushions and debris. Umpire Cal Hubbard forfeits the game to the Yankees, but American League President Will Harridge subsequently overrules him, calling the game a 5 – 5 tie and fining the Yankees for their tactics.
1944 – After losing 13 of 17 games and dropping from first place, the Browns turn back their principal rival, the Tigers, behind Jack Kramer.
1947:
Rookie Bill McCahan of the Philadelphia Athletics no-hits the Washington Senators, 3 – 0. McCahan, the former Duke University star, was the losing pitcher when Don Black threw his no-hitter on July 10th. The Senators had not suffered a no-hitter since Ernie Shore pitched his 26-out “perfect game” in 1917.
At Fenway Park, Tommy Henrich and Joe DiMaggio lead the way with four hits each as the Yankees bang out a total eighteen hits, all singles, defeating the Red Sox, 11 – 2.
1950 – Havana (Florida International League) wins its fifth straight pennant. Miami, managed by Pepper Martin, finishes second.
1951:
At Ebbets Field, the Dodgers sweep the Braves, winning both games, 7 – 2, behind Carl Erskine and Clem Labine. Roy Campanella collects six straight hits, including his 30th and 31st homers, before being stopped.
In a Labor Day doubleheader at the Polo Grounds, the Phils’ Robin Roberts stops New York, 6 – 3, in the opener. The Giants blow a 3 – 0 1st-inning lead when homers by Richie Ashburn and Bill Nicholson bring the Phils back. Dave Koslo salvages the second game, winning, 3 – 1, over Niles Jordan. Willie Mays makes another rookie error in the 2nd. After an apparent inside-the-park home run, Phils 3B Tommy Brown appeals, and Mays is called out for failing to touch third base. He is credited with a double.
Newly-acquired pitcher Johnny Sain tosses a five-hitter to beat the A’s, 3 – 1. The A’s top the Yankees in the nitecap, 3 – 2.
1952:
Dick Littlefield of the Browns two-hits the White Sox, but loses, 1 – 0.
Harry Byrd of the Philadelphia Athletics one-hits the Yankees, 3 – 0.
1954:
Ted Williams of the Red Sox hits his 362nd home run to put him in fifth place on the all-time list.
The Yankees snap Bob Lemon’s 11-game win streak to beat the Indians, 3 – 2, and move to three and a half games from first place. Mickey Mantle’s gigantic blast into the right field upper deck in the 6th starts the Yankee scoring.
1956 – The Braves set a home night game record by drawing 47,604 to see a doubleheader split with the Redlegs, winning the first, 3 – 2, and losing the second, 7 – 5.
1957:
Warren Spahn of the Braves hurls his 41st shutout, the most by a National League lefthander, as he beats Chicago, 8 – 0.
The Dodgers play their last game in Jersey City, NJ, as Don Drysdale loses to Philadelphia, 3 – 2, in 12 innings. Brooklyn ends with an 11-4 mark in New Jersey.
1958 – The Yankees spot Boston a 5 – 3 lead before Mickey Mantle homers in the 8th and Yogi Berra cracks a three-run homer in the 9th to win it, 8 – 5. Mantle and Berra each have 85 RBIs for the year.
1960:
A battle of lefthanders features Sandy Koufax of the Dodgers against Mike McCormick of the Giants. Felipe Alou’s home run gives McCormick a 1 – 0 win, his second such win against Los Angeles in 1960.
The Orioles hand the Yankees a second straight shutout, winning, 2 – 0, and replacing the Yanks in first place by a game. During the game in Baltimore, plate umpire Larry Napp is struck by foul balls three times. Chuck Berry finishes the game behind the plate, as Napp is carried off the field.
Al Cicotte of the Toronto Maple Leafs (IL) pitches an 11-inning no-hitter against Montreal.
1961 – After taking the first two games against Detroit, New York is down 5 – 4 in the 9th when Mickey Mantle ties the game with his second homer of the day. Elston Howard wins it with a three-run drive into the left field stands and Detroit leaves town four and a half games in back of New York. Mantle is now at 50 home runs, with Roger Maris at 53, the first teammates in history to hit 50.
1962 – At Los Angeles, Jack Sanford of the Giants wins his 20th game and 14th straight, 7 – 3.
1963 – Cubs 3B Ron Santo ties the modern National League record for errors in an inning at 3B with three to help the Giants beat Chicago, 16 – 3.
1965:
In preparation of their move to Anaheim, CA the Los Angeles Angels change their name to the California Angels.
The Mets top the Cards, 6 – 3, behind the slugging of Jim Hickman, who cranks three home runs off Birds pitcher Ray Sadecki. Hickman is the first Mets player to hit three home runs in a game.
1966 – Charlie Vaughan, 18-year-old Braves pitcher, beats the Astros, 12 – 2, for his first and only major league win. Vaughan will make one other major league appearance, in relief, in 1969.
1967 – Before a Twins crowd of 43,494, Detroit’s Earl Wilson pitches a 5 – 0 shutout to narrow the Twins’ lead to half a game over the Tigers. The win is Wilson’s 19th.
1969:
Collared his first four times up, Willie Davis hits a double in the 9th inning to stretch his hitting streak to 31 games. The double drives in the winning run as Los Angeles tops the Mets, 5 – 4. The Mets had tied the game in the 8th when Tommie Agee and Donn Clendenon each homered with a man on.
The Reds’ Jim Maloney stops the slumping Cubs on two hits to win, 2 – 0. Bill Hands takes the loss. It’s Maloney’s ninth career two-hitter; he’s thrown three no-hitters and five one-hitters. The Cubs’ lead slips to four games.
1970:
Cubs outfielder Billy Williams asks to sit out, thus ending his National League record for consecutive games played at 1,117. Steve Garvey will better the mark in 1983.
The Twins’ Leo Cardenas hits a Wally Bunker pitch in the 8th inning off the foul pole, but the umpires rule it a foul ball. Manager Bill Rigney and Bob Allison argue that it should be a homer and get tossed for their efforts. Cardenas then strikes out. Phil Roof and Roberto Pena homer to lead the Brewers to an 8 – 3 victory.
1971 – Owner Phil Wrigley takes out newspaper ads criticizing the Cubs players who want to dump manager Leo Durocher. A postscript adds, “If we could only find more team players like Ernie Banks.” Banks will play his last game on September 26th.
1972:
Steve Carlton shuts out the Braves, 8 – 0, for his eighth whitewash of the season. This is the most for a Phillies pitcher since Grover Alexander in 1917.
Hal McRae’s two-run pinch homer in the 9th gives the Reds a 4 – 3 win over the visiting Expos.
1973 – After 11 years at the helm (944-806 .539), Ralph Houk resigns as Yankee skipper. The “Major” will manage the Tigers next season
1974 – The Giants’ John Montefusco making his major league debut, homers in his first official time at bat, off Charlie Hough, and pitches nine innings of relief to earn a 9 – 5 victory over the Dodgers.
1975:
In the final game of his Hall of Fame career, Cardinals great Bob Gibson gives up a grand slam to Pete LaCock. It will be LaCock’s only bases-loaded homer of his career.
After missing two games because of the flu, Dodger Steve Garvey returns to the lineup in a 13 – 2 loss to the Reds, launching a National League record streak of 1,207 consecutive games played. The Reds score ten runs in the 4th inning to ice the game.
1976:
The Brewers crush the Tigers and Mark Fidrych, 11 – 2, as Mike Hegan hits for the cycle and drives in six runs.
Rangers catcher Jim Sundberg records three assists in the 5th inning of a 4 – 1 win over the Royals. He becomes only the seventh perpetrator of this feat in major league history.
1977 – Japanese superstar Sadaharu Oh hits his 756th career home run, off Yasujiro Suzuki, to surpass Hank Aaron as the all-time career leader in professional baseball.
1978 – Lee Mazzilli homers from both sides of the plate as the Mets down the Dodgers, 8 – 5.
1979 – The Orioles win a pair from Toronto, 2 – 1 in 11 innings, and 5 – 1. Eddie Murray provides the game-winning hit in the bottom of the 11th. Tippy Martinez is the winner. Mike Flanagan is the winner in the nitecap, the major league’s first 20-game winner this year.
1981 – The Red Sox and the Mariners play 19 innings to a 7 – 7 tie and the game is suspended. It will resume tomorrow with the Mariners winning, 8 – 7, in 20 innings, making it the longest game played in Fenway Park history.
1983 – Trailing 5 – 3, the Indians erupt for ten runs in the top of the 9th inning and go on to defeat Oakland, 13 – 6. The A’s set a major-league record by using six pitchers in the inning. Pinch hitter Chris Bando has two hits in the frame and Gorman Thomas connects for a double and homer in the inning for the second time in three years. He is the only man to do it twice.
1984 – Bruce Sutter breaks the National League record for saves in a season with his 38th in the Cardinals’ 7 – 3 win over the Mets.
1986:
Pitching in the 3rd inning against the Mets, Giants rookie Terry Mulholland snags a hard grounder off Keith Hernandez but can’t retrieve the ball from the webbing of his glove. Thinking fast, Mulholland runs towards first and tosses his mitt to 1B Bob Brenly for the out. The Giants come up short, losing, 4 – 2.
In a two-day, 18-inning marathon the Cubs and Astros set a major-league record by using 53 players, including 17 pitchers, tying the number used three weeks ago. Chicago loses this game as well, 8 – 7.
1988 – Dennis Eckersley sets an A’s record with his 37th save of the season in Oakland’s 5 – 4 win over New York. Eckersley will save 45 games this season, one shy of Dave Righetti’s major league record.
1989 – It is 100 degrees in Texas and the Royals and Rangers are equally hot as seven batters get hit by pitches, the third time this century this has happened. The Royals put the game out of reach with a three-run homer by Bo Jackson in the 7th to win, 13 – 2. When Mike Macfarlane is plunked in the 8th, the fifth Royal hit, he rushes the mound and tackles reliever Craig McMurtry.
1990 – The White Sox’s Bobby Thigpen tops Dave Righetti’s major-league record with his 47th save of the season in Chicago’s 4 – 2 win over the Royals. Thigpen will finish the season with a superlative 57 saves.
1991:
Milwaukee’s Jim Gantner has a double and hits his first homer since 1987, a streak of 1,762 at bats without a dinger. In two days he’ll hit another. With two outs in the 9th, Robin Yount bangs a three-run home run off Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley for a 5 – 3 win.
In a game in Montreal, shortstop Jeff Blauser breaks his big left toe and will be out for two weeks. The Braves will call up SS Rico Rossy to replace him.
1992:
Baseball owners vote 18-9, with one abstention, calling for the resignation of Commissioner Fay Vincent.
Toronto gets ten consecutive hits, to tie an American League record, in the 2nd inning of its 16 – 5 win over Minnesota.
1993 – Team owners vote to split the leagues into three divisions and add a wild card round to the playoffs for the 1994 season.
1994 – With two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, the Jackson Generals overcome a 1 – 0 deficit as Tom Nevers and Jeff Ball hit back-to-back homers. The dramatic decisive Game 5 victory over the Shreveport Captains at Mississippi’s Smith-Wills Stadium enables the Astros AA farm club to capture the Texas League East championship series.
1995:
The Yankees drop a 10 – 9 decision to the Athletics as SS Tony Fernandez hits for the cycle. Fernandez scores three runs and has three ribbies for New York.
The Mets outslug the Giants, 11 – 6, despite Barry Bonds hitting the Giants’ 11,000th franchise homer. Barry’s father, Bobby Bonds, hit the 8,000th franchise homer exactly 24 years ago, on this day in 1971.
1996:
Ron Gant hits two doubles and scores three times as the Cards move into the NL Central lead with a 12 – 3 win over the Astros.
Marquis Grissom opens the game with a leadoff home run off the Reds’ Dave Burba, but it’s the only Braves hit in the Reds’ 5 – 1 win. The first-place Braves have now lost four straight.
1997:
2B Mike Lansing’s 3rd-inning home run is Montreal’s only hit, but it’s enough to give the Expos a 1 – 0 win over the Red Sox. Aaron Sele and Tom Gordon baffle the Expos the rest of the way, but Carlos Perez allows only two hits himself in blanking Boston.
A’s blue chip rookie Ben Grieve debuts with a club-record-tying three doubles for five RBIs in a 12 – 3 win over the Giants. Grieve had 136 ribbies in 127 minor league games. Brad Rigby wins his first major league game.
1999:
The Rangers beat the White Sox, 10 – 4, and now have five players with 20+ home run for the first time in team history. Rusty Greer, who now has 18, will later become the sixth.
The U.S. District Court upholds the resignations that 22 Major League umpires made in their union’s abortive negotiations on July 14, 1999.
In Baltimore’s 11 – 6 win over Tampa Bay, Cal Ripken, Jr. clubs his 400th career homer, off Rolando Arrojo. He’s the 20th player to hit 400 homers.
Terry Collins resigns as Angels manager and Joe Maddon is named interim for the remainder of the season. The Angels were 51-82 under Collins this year, with a 220-237 record since he took over in 1977. Maddon also served as interim manager towards the end of the 1996 season, with an 8-14 record.
2000:
Kenny Lofton’s 1st-inning run ties a 1939 major league record set by the Yankees’ Red Rolfe for scoring in 18 consecutive games. The speedy Indians outfielder, besides hitting the game-winning homer in the 13th, also steals five bases tying Cleveland’s single-game record set by Alex Cole.
The Mariners defeat the Red Sox, 5 – 0. Paul Abbott does not allow a hit until one out in the 8th inning. He combines with Jose Paniagua on the one-hitter.
2001:
The Indians defeat the White Sox, 6 – 3, as Jose Canseco steals the 200th base of his career. He becomes just the ninth player in history to have that many steals and 400 home runs.
On Labor Day, in just his 11th start, Cardinals freshman hurler Bud Smith no-hits the Padres, 4 – 0. The 21-year-old becomes the 18th rookie since 1900 to throw a complete game without giving up a hit.
2002:
Three Rangers pitchers combine to one-hit the Orioles, winning by a score of 7 – 1. Starter Aaron Myette is ejected after throwing two pitches and replaced by Todd Van Poppel, who throws two hitless innings. Van Poppel is in turn replaced by rookie Joaquin Benoit who does not give up a hit until Jerry Hairston’s leadoff triple in the 9th. Benoit gets credit for a seven-inning save, the longest since saves were first recorded in 1969.
Pittsburgh P Salomon Torres makes his first major league appearance since 1997 as he defeats the Braves, 3 – 0. Torres retired in 1997, became a coach in the Dominican Republic, then began his comeback in January.
Andy Van Hekken, with a fastball topping out in the mid-80s, becomes the first American Leaguer to throw a complete game shutout in his debut since Mike Norris in 1975, and the first Tiger since Schoolboy Rowe in 1933. He stops Cleveland, 4 – 0. The Holland, MI native was 5-0 at Toledo (AAA) before his promotion.
Losing their 15th straight game at Shea Stadium, the Mets pass the dubious mark set by the 1911 Boston Rustlers to establish a new National League record for consecutive losses at home.
2007 – Out for most of the year following shoulder surgery, Pedro Martinez finally makes it into a game in the majors this season. He strikes out Aaron Harang in the 2nd inning to give him 3,000 strikeouts in the major leagues, the 15th player to reach that level.
2008:
Instant replay is used for the first time in a major league game. Alex Rodriguez homers to left off Troy Percival in the 9th as part of a 8 – 4 Yankees win over the Rays. Umpire Brian Runge calls it a homer and has his call upheld upon review.
Sung-keun Kim becomes the second manager in the Korea Baseball Organization to reach 1,000 wins. Kim’s SK Wyverns rout the Woori Heroes, 8 – 0, to improve his career mark to 1,000-892-49 in 17 seasons (he had taken time away from Korea to serve as a Chiba Lotte Marines coach). Kim trails only Eung-ryong Kim (1,476) in career wins.
2009:
Jorge Posada hits his 20th homer and drives in four runs as New York defeats Toronto, 7 – 5. The Yankees now have seven players with 20 or more homers on the year, matching a record set by three other teams. Derek Jeter currently has 17 home runs but will finish the year with 18, leaving the Bronx Bombers just shy of a new record.
Former All-Star pitcher Jerry Koosman is sentenced to a six-month prison term for failing to pay federal income taxes in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
2010:
The Phillies pull to within one game of the NL East-leading Braves with a 1 – 0 win over the Brewers. Cole Hamels pitches seven scoreless innings, while the lone run scores after Shane Victorino’s fly ball drops between LF Ryan Braun and CF Lorenzo Cain for a double; the Flyin’ Hawaiian then scores on two consecutive ground ball outs. Meanwhile, the Braves drop a 6 – 1 decision to Florida as rookie Logan Morrison hits a pair of triples.
With a number of pitchers unavailable following a 13-inning loss to Detroit during which starter Scott Baker had to leave after only two innings, the Twins turn to rookie Matt Fox to start a key game against the Rangers. Fox delivers in his major league debut, pitching 5 2/3 solid innings after being called up from AAA Rochester in the middle of the night. His teammate in the minors, Alex Burnett, then pitches 1 1/3 innings to get credit for the 4 – 3 win.
2011:
Brewers back-up C George Kottaras becomes the first major league player to hit for the cycle this year in Milwaukee’s 8 – 2 win over Houston. Light-hitting Craig Counsell contributes his first homer of the year and Taylor Green notches the first RBI of his career as the team’s bench players lead Chris Narveson to his tenth win of the year. All five Brewer starting pitchers have now won in double figures.
The White Sox rough up Brad Penny for eight runs over five innings, including home runs by Alexei Ramirez, Alejandro de Aza and Brent Morel, to take an 8 – 1 lead over the Tigers, but the Bengals stage a dramatic comeback. They claw back to enter the bottom of the 9th trailing 8 – 6, then Ryan Raburn hits a two-run homer to tie the score and Miguel Cabrera follows with a walk-off home run, both shots traveling well over 400 feet at Comerica Park. The 9th-inning power outburst earns Luis Marte his first major league win.
Game 1 of the 2011 Holland Series sets a Series record by going 14 innings. The Amsterdam Pirates beat the Vaessen Pioniers, 5 – 4, when Wesley Connor steals home on a botched squeeze bunt. Connor finishes with four hits and three runs while Jurrian Koks tosses 5 1/3 scoreless innings for the win.
2012:
The Angels put an end to the A’s nine-game winning streak with an 8 – 3 win in Oakland. Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells and Chris Iannetta all connect in support of C.J. Wilson.
The AL East race gets even tighter, as the Rays beat the Yankees, 4 – 3. James Shields gets the win as light-hitting Chris Gimenez drives in a pair of runs. The game marks the return of Alex Rodriguez, who starts at DH for the Yankees after missing six weeks with a hand injury. Meanwhile, the Orioles shut out the Blue Jays, 4 – 0, as Joe Saunders retires the first 17 batters in order and cruises to the win. At the end of the day, the Yankees’ lead is cut to one game over Baltimore, and 2 1/2 over Tampa Bay.
The South wins the 2012 Hoofdklasse All-Star Game with a 9 – 2 romp. Danny Rombley reaches base five times and scores three runs, while Jeffrey Arends gets four hits and the MVP award. Diegomar Markwell gets the win while 2012 Holland Series MVP David Bergman is handed the loss.
2013 – The Pirates defeat the Brewers, 4 – 3, for their 81st win of the year. This ensures that they will break their record-setting streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons, the longest such streak in North American sports history. Andrew McCutchen hits his 100th career homer in the win, but the celebration is subdued, as the Bucs are focusing on a bigger goal: they now have a two-game lead on the Cardinals in the NL Central.
2015 – In the Nationals’ 15 – 1 win over Atlanta, OF Bryce Harper does not have an at-bat but scores four runs, as he draws a walk in each of his four plate appearances. Only three other players have ever scored four runs in a game without an at-bat: Larry Doby in 1951, Joe Morgan in 1973 and Rickey Henderson in 1989.
2016:
In Sweden, the Leksand Lumberjacks win their 21st Elitserien title, but first in 11 years. They top the Stockholm Monarchs two games to one in the finals. Albin Sivard fans nine in seven innings, allowing three hits and six walks in a 2 – 1 win in the finale. Per Sjörs is named finals MVP, having won Game 2 on the mound and gone 4 for 12 with three runs on offense.
The Pakistan women’s national baseball team makes its debut, facing host South Korea in the first day of the 2016 Women’s Baseball World Cup. In a 10 – 0 loss, a bright spot is #9 hitter Zahida Ghani, who singles and walks; the only other Pakistani hit or walk comes from Irum Shahzadi, a single. Jung-hee Kang, Rak-yung Kim and Hye-ryeon Won combine on the two-hitter.
2017 – Jose Ramirez sets a modern record with 14 extra-base hits in his last seven games, including five in Cleveland’s 11 – 1 win over the Tigers today. It is also the Indians’ 11th straight win. Ramirez has three doubles and two homers and scores and drives three runs.
2019 – Down by six runs against the Mets in the 9th inning, the Nationals mount the biggest comeback in team history as they score seven times to pull off an improbable an 11 – 10 win. Leading 10 – 4 after scoring five times in the top of the 9th, the Mets decide to rest closer Edwin Diaz and instead send in Paul Sewald to close the books. He allows two runs while getting just one out before being replaced by Luis Avilan, who loads up the bases with a single. That’s when manager Mickey Callaway calls upon Diaz to face pinch-hitter Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman hits a two-run double, then after drawing a full count, Kurt Suzuki parks a pitch in the left field seats for a walk-off three-run homer. Now five games back in the wild card standings, the Mets are effectively eliminated from postseason contention as a result of this heartbreaking loss.
2021 – In a match-up of wild card contenders, Toronto comes back three separate times to defeat Oakland, 11 – 10, in a wild game. The comebacks includes a grand slam by Lourdes Gurriel as part of a six-run 8th inning that erases an 8 – 2 deficit, and a walk-off three-run blast by Marcus Semien in the 9th. In between, Mark Canha had hit a two-run shot for Oakland in the top of the 9th.
2022 – Dylan Cease comes within one out of pitching a no-hitter when Luis Arraez, owner of the best batting average in the American League, singles with two out in the 9th to end the bid. Cease then strikes out the next batter, Kyle Garlick, to complete Chicago’s 13 – 0 win over the Twins.
2024:
Kyle Schwarber has a monster night for the Phillies in Toronto. He leads off the game with a homer off Chris Bassitt, but the Phils fall into an early 6 – 1 hole when the Jays chase starter Tyler Phillips with six runs in the bottom of the 1st. Schwarber adds a solo shot off Bassitt in the 4th, then comes up in the top of the 9th with Philly trailing, 7 – 6 and blasts a three-run tater off closer Chad Green to put Philadelphia ahead, completing a 5-for-6 night in which he scores four and drives in six. The Jays score once off Matt Strahm in the bottom of the 9th, but fall one run short, losing 9 – 8. It is Schwarber’s second three-homer game in less than a month – he had one on August 7th – but had been in a deep slump in between, hitting just .145 with 27 strikeouts since his last homer on August 14th.
Baltimore re-takes the lead in the AL East when rookie Cade Povich pitches into the 8th inning and strikes out ten in a blowout of the hapless White Sox, who lose their 12th straight game, 9 – 0. Meanwhile, Clay Holmes surrenders a grand slam to Wyatt Langford in the bottom of the 9th for a 7 – 4 Rangers win over the Yankees, allowing the O’s to move past them.
Births[edit]
1864 – Harry Decker, catcher
1869 – Bill Armour, manager (d. 1922)
1871 – Billy Goeckel, infielder (d. 1922)
1872 – Steve Griffin, minor league infielder and manager (d. 1926)
1872 – Guy McFadden, infielder (d. 1911)
1873 – Mike Kahoe, catcher (d. 1949)
1876 – Jerry Donovan, catcher (d. 1938)
1876 – Dusty Miller, outfielder (d. 1950)
1877 – George Stone, outfielder (d. 1945)
1883 – Carl Bond, minor league infield and manager (d. 1950)
1883 – Art Fromme, pitcher (d. 1956)
1883 – Dan Kennard, catcher (d. 1947)
1885 – Ed Konetchy, infielder (d. 1947)
1887 – John Scott, infielder (d. 1962)
1891 – Katsy Keifer, pitcher (d. 1927)
1902 – Bill Moore, pitcher (d. 1984)
1905 – Art Milton, infielder (d. ????)
1906 – Sug Cornelius, pitcher; All-Star (d. 1989)
1907 – Ralph Burgin, outfielder (d. 1957)
1910 – Jack Redmond, catcher (d. 1968)
1911 – Lindsay Deal, outfielder (d. 1979)
1913 – Kerby Farrell, infielder, manager (d. 1975)
1915 – Eddie Stanky, infielder, manager; All-Star (d. 1999)
1915 – Lefty West, pitcher (d. 1979)
1917 – Frank Jelincich, outfielder (d. 1992)
1920 – Sandy Consuegra, pitcher; All-Star (d. 2005)
1921 – Oscar Álvarez, Dominican national team outfielder (d. 2006)
1921 – Mirei Suzuki, author; Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame (d. 1991)
1922 – Masakazu Kato, NPB infielder (d. ????)
1922 – Morrie Martin, pitcher (d. 2010)
1923 – John Gayle, minor league outfielder (d. 2011)
1924 – Yoshimi Ebara, NPB pitcher (d. 1998)
1924 – Bill Greason, pitcher
1930 – Yang-joong Kim, South Korean national baseball team pitcher (d. 2013)
1931 – Tom Brewer, pitcher; All-Star (d. 2018)
1933 – Buzzy Keller, scout (d. 2018)
1936 – Steve Boros, infielder, manager (d. 2010)
1936 – Roger Jongewaard, scout (d. 2012)
1936 – Lee Weyer, umpire (d. 1988)
1937 – Shosuke Doi, NPB infielder (d. 2026)
1941 – Tetsuo Kaneko, NPB pitcher
1942 – Hideaki Miyahara, NPB outfielder (d. 1994)
1943 – Nobuyuki Kadooka, NPB pitcher
1945 – Toshihiko Sei, NPB pitcher (d. 2017)
1946 – Myung-sung Kim, KBO manager (d. 2001)
1947 – Bill Gilbreth, pitcher (d. 2020)
1950 – Fukuo Toiya, NPB outfielder
1951 – Alan Bannister, infielder
1951 – Dave Campbell, pitcher
1951 – Nam-ho Yoo, KBO manager
1952 – Jim Sieval, Hoofdklasse infielder (d. 2009)
1953 – Mike Paxton, pitcher
1954 – Makoto Shimada, NPB outfielder
1955 – Don Kainer, pitcher
1957 – Jerry DeSimone, minor league infielder
1957 – Hiroyuki Hirakawa, NPB infielder
1960 – Rene Gonzales, infielder
1962 – Dave Clark, outfielder
1962 – Soichiro Sakakibara, NPB outfielder
1963 – Kai-young Choi, KBO outfielder
1963 – Ced Landrum, outfielder
1963 – Luis Leon, Spanish national team infielder
1963 – Eric Plunk, pitcher
1965 – Lee Carballo, scout
1965 – Eric Mangham, minor league outfielder
1965 – Katsuhito Mizuno, NPB pitcher
1967 – Luis Gonzalez, outfielder; All-Star
1968 – Koji Tokunaga, Japanese national team infielder
1969 – Masayuki Nakayama, NPB pitcher
1969 – José Pulido, Spanish national team pitcher
1969 – Naoki Sugiyama, NPB catcher
1969 – Tom Thobe, pitcher
1970 – Dave Berg, infielder
1970 – Chad Fox, pitcher
1970 – Corey Powell, minor league outfielder
1970 – Craig Wilson, infielder
1971 – Jeremey Kendall, minor league outfielder
1971 – Cecil Rodriques, minor league outfielder
1973 – Dave Post, minor league infielder
1973 – Wuarnner Rincones, minor league infielder and manager
1975 – Justin Siegel, minor league player
1975 – Garrett Zyskowski, minor league pitcher
1977 – Adan Munoz, minor league catcher and manager
1977 – Nate Robertson, pitcher
1978 – Juan Pérez, pitcher
1979 – Anny Leon, Venezuelan women’s national team pitcher
1980 – Hirotaka Egusa, NPB pitcher
1981 – Jake Woods, pitcher
1982 – Thomas Gibbons, Fijian national team pitcher
1982 – Bobby Livingston, pitcher
1982 – Milver Reyes, minor league catcher and manager
1982 – Joe Torres, coach
1983 – Matt Capps, pitcher; All-Star
1983 – Konstaninos Gennaios, Greek national team outfielder
1984 – Omar Arif, minor league pitcher
1984 – Anthony Esquer, minor league catcher
1984 – Zonairis Thielman, Dutch women’s national team catcher
1985 – Jim Gallagher, minor league infielder
1985 – Chris Nelson, infielder
1985 – Troy Patton, pitcher
1986 – Tateki Abe, NPB pitcher
1986 – Brandon Beachy, pitcher
1986 – Steve Brown, minor league outfielder
1987 – Domonic Brown, outfielder; All-Star
1987 – Drew Hayes, pitcher
1987 – Rafael Quintero, minor league player
1987 – R.J. Seidel, minor league pitcher
1988 – Kawika Emsley-Pai, college coach
1988 – Josh Osich, pitcher
1990 – Yordy Cabrera, minor league infielder
1990 – Juan Noriega, minor league pitcher
1990 – Shae Simmons, pitcher
1991 – Eric Olivo, minor league outfielder
1991 – Carl Edwards, pitcher
1991 – Ryuya Ogawa, NPB pitcher
1992 – Seth Feldman, minor league manager
1993 – Go Kamamoto, NPB outfielder
1993 – Corey Oswalt, pitcher
1995 – Denise Pérez, Mexican women’s national team infielder
1995 – David Peterson, pitcher; All-Star
1996 – Drew Strotman, minor league pitcher
1996 – Brian Van Belle, pitcher
1996 – Jake Wong, pitcher
1997 – Carter Kieboom, infielder
1998 – Jacob Amaya, infielder
1998 – Carlos Ocampo, minor league pitcher
1998 – Janiliz Rivera, Puerto Rican women’s national team catcher
1998 – Naoki Sato, NPB outfielder
1999 – Tanner Murray, infielder
2000 – Dionys Rodríguez, minor league pitcher
2000 – Víctor Vargas, minor league pitcher
2002 – Javier Sanoja, infielder
2002 – Mattia Sireus, Serie A1 pitcher
2003 – Nick Mitchell, minor league outfielder
Deaths[edit]
1893 – Bill Vinton, pitcher (b. 1865)
1907 – Nicholas Bouse, umpire (b. 1833)
1913 – Charlie Householder, infielder (b. 1855)
1921 – Jim Clinton, outfielder, manager (b. 1850)
1923 – Jack Barnett, outfielder (b. 1879)
1924 – Herman Pitz, catcher (b. 1865)
1933 – Ed Cartwright, infielder (b. 1859)
1935 – Mike Ryan, infielder (b. 1868)
1940 – Fred Swanton, minor league manager (b. 1862)
1945 – Dusty Miller, outfielder (b. 1868)
1948 – Bert Husting, pitcher (b. 1878)
1950 – Jim Connor, infielder (b. 1863)
1950 – Frank Pearce, pitcher (b. 1905)
1952 – Bert Daly, infielder (b. 1881)
1953 – Jack Pfiester, pitcher (b. 1878)
1955 – Hal Schwenk, pitcher (b. 1890)
1959 – Emmett Bowles, pitcher (b. 1898)
1960 – Armando Marsans, outfielder (b. 1887)
1963 – Tony DeFate, infielder (b. 1895)
1964 – Hank Ritter, pitcher (b. 1893)
1965 – Rudy Leopold, pitcher (b. 1905)
1969 – Bill Culp, pitcher (b. 1887)
1972 – Gerald Doherty, college coach (b. ????)
1972 – Tom Fisher, pitcher (b. 1880)
1975 – Irv Medlinger, pitcher (b. 1927)
1980 – Soichi Fujita, NPB player and manager (b. 1914)
1989 – Rip Sewell, pitcher; All-Star (b. 1907)
1990 – Marshall Bridges, pitcher (b. 1931)
1991 – Chico Renfroe, infielder; All-Star (b. 1923)
1999 – Antonio Briñez, Venezuelan national team infielder (b. 1917)
2000 – Thomas Lloyd, minor league catcher and manager (b. 1920)
2000 – Clyde Sukeforth, catcher, manager (b. 1901)
2003 – Emil Belich, scout (b. 1917)
2004 – Frenchy Uhalt, outfielder (b. 1910)
2008 – Riichi Kodama, NPB infielder (b. 1919)
2012 – Bob DiPietro, outfielder (b. 1927)
2014 – George Polasky, minor league player (b. 1927)
2015 – Bobby Greene, minor league outfielder (b. 1927)
2022 – Doug Bennett, minor league pitcher (b. 1970)
2023 – Eliecer O’Connor, Cuban league infielder (b. ~1978)
2024 – Wayne Graham, infielder (b. 1937)
2025 – Doris Cook, AAGPBL outfielder (b. 1931)
####################################################
TV SPORTS TODAY
(All times Eastern)
Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts
Thursday, Sept. 3
AUTO RACING
6:30 a.m. (Friday)
APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza Italy
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
6 p.m.
BTN — UMass at Rutgers
7 p.m.
ACCN — Akron at Wake Forest
8 p.m.
ESPN — Colorado at Georgia Tech
NBCSN — E. Illinois at Minnesota
PEACOCK — E. Illinois at Minnesota
SECN — Ark.-Pine Bluff at Missouri
9 p.m.
BTN — UAB at Illinois
ESPNU — Idaho at Utah
COLLEGE SOCCER (WOMEN’S)
6:30 p.m.
ESPNU — Florida St. at Georgia
CYCLING
6:30 a.m.
NBCSN — UCI: 2026 Vuelta a España, Stage 12
GOLF
7:30 a.m.
GOLF — DP World Tour: Omega European Masters, First Round, Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland
MLB BASEBALL
7 p.m.
FOX — Regional Coverage: Boston at Baltimore (7:15 p.m.) OR Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (7:15 p.m.)
TENNIS
11:30 a.m.
ESPN — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open, Second Round, New York
7 p.m.
ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open, Second Round, New York
_____
Friday, Sept. 4
AUTO RACING
6:30 a.m.
APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza Italy
10 a.m.
APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza Italy
4 p.m.
FS2 — Indy NXT Series: Practice, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
5 p.m.
FS2 — NTT IndyCar Series: Practice, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
6:30 p.m.
FS2 — Indy NXT Series: Practice, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
6:30 a.m. (Saturday)
APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza Italy
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
7 p.m.
BTN — Indiana St. at Purdue
8 p.m.
ESPNU — LIU at Kansas
FS1 — Toledo at Michigan St.
9 p.m.
ESPN — Miami at Stanford
ESPNU — Miami at Stanford (Command Center)
FOX — Fresno St. at Southern Cal
COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)
4 p.m.
ACCN — TCU at Louisville
CYCLING
8:30 a.m.
NBCSN — UCI: 2026 Vuelta a España, Stage 13
GOLF
7:30 a.m.
GOLF — DP World Tour: Omega European Masters, Second Round, Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland
3:30 a.m. (Saturday)
GOLF — 2026 Walker Cup: Team U.S. vs. Team GB&I, From Lahinch Golf Club in Lahinch, Clare, Ireland
MLB BASEBALL
6:40 p.m.
APPLE TV — L.A. Angels at Pittsburgh
7 p.m.
MLBN — TBA
7:10 p.m.
APPLE TV — Detroit at Cleveland
10 p.m.
MLBN — TBA
SOCCER (MEN’S)
3 p.m.
USA — English Premier League: Liverpool at Ipswich Town
TENNIS
11:30 a.m.
ESPN — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open, Third Round, New York
7 p.m.
ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open, Third Round, New York
_____
Saturday, Sept. 5
AUTO RACING
6:30 a.m.
APPLE TV — Formula 1: Practice, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza Italy
10 a.m.
APPLE TV — Formula 1: Qualifying, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza Italy
1 p.m.
FS2 — NTT IndyCar Series: Practice, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
3 p.m.
FS2 — Indy NXT Series: Qualifying, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
4:30 p.m.
FS2 — NTT IndyCar Series: Qualifying, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
6:30 p.m.
FS2 — Indy NXT Series: Grand Prix of Monterey – Race 1, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
7:30 p.m.
CW — NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: Fleetio 200 – The Chase, Darlington Raceway, Darlington, S.C.
8 p.m.
FS2 — NTT IndyCar Series: Final Practice, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Noon
ABC — East Carolina at Alabama
ACCN — New Hampshire at Syracuse
CBSSN — Bryant at Army
ESPN — Oregon St. at Houston
ESPNU — Liberty at James Madison
FOX — North Texas at Indiana
FS1 — Ohio at Nebraska
TNT — Coastal Carolina at West Virginia
12:30 p.m.
CW — Miami (Ohio) at Pittsburgh
12:45 p.m.
SECN — Kent St. at South Carolina
3:30 p.m.
ABC — Baylor vs. Auburn, Atlanta
ACCN — Tulane at Duke
CBS — Boise St. at Oregon
CBSSN — Towson at Navy
ESPN — Texas St. at Texas
FOX — Boston College at Cincinnati
FS1 — Marshall at Penn St.
3:45 p.m.
ESPNU — Oklahoma St. at Tulsa
4:15 p.m.
BTN — N. Illinois at Iowa
SECN — N. Alabama at Arkansas
6 p.m.
USA — Wyoming at Colorado St.
7 p.m.
CBSSN — Idaho St. at Utah St.
ESPN — Missouri St. at Texas A&M
FS1 — Abilene Christian at Texas Tech
7:30 p.m.
ABC — Clemson at LSU
ACCN — VMI at Virginia Tech
ESPNU — Louisiana-Monroe at Mississippi St.
NBC — W. Michigan at Michigan
PEACOCK — W. Michigan at Michigan
7:45 p.m.
SECN — FAU at Florida
8 p.m.
BTN — Regional Coverage: Hampton at Maryland OR S. Dakota St. at Northwestern
9:30 p.m.
USA — Portland St. at San Diego St.
10 p.m.
CW — UNLV at Hawaii
FS1 — Cent. Michigan at New Mexico
10:30 p.m.
CBSSN — W. Kentucky at Nevada
ESPN — UCLA at California
GOLF
3:30 a.m.
GOLF — 2026 Walker Cup: Team U.S. vs. Team GB&I, From Lahinch Golf Club in Lahinch, Clare, Ireland
9 a.m.
GOLF — 2026 Walker Cup: Team U.S. vs. Team GB&I, From Lahinch Golf Club in Lahinch, Clare, Ireland
4 p.m.
GOLF — DP World Tour: Omega European Masters, Third Round, Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland (taped)
3 a.m. (Sunday)
GOLF — 2026 Walker Cup: Team U.S. vs. Team GB&I, From Lahinch Golf Club in Lahinch, Clare, Ireland
HORSE RACING
4 p.m.
NBC — TBA
MLB BASEBALL
4 p.m.
MLBN — TBA
7 p.m.
FOX — Regional Coverage: Arizona at Houston (7:15 p.m.) OR N.Y. Yankees at San Diego (7:15 p.m.)
SOCCER (MEN’S)
7:30 a.m.
USA — English Premier League: AFC Bournemouth at Newcastle United
10 a.m.
NBCSN — English Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur at Nottingham Forest
USA — English Premier League: Coventry City at Manchester City
Noon
CBS — Serie A: TBA
12:30 p.m.
NBC — English Premier League: Aston Villa at Hull City
USA — Bundesliga: Bayern Munich at Schalke 04
7 a.m.
ESPN2 — Bundesliga: TBA
TENNIS
11 a.m.
ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open, Third Round, New York
7 p.m.
ESPN2 — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open, Third Round, New York
_____
Sunday, Sept. 6
AUTO RACING
9 a.m.
APPLE TV — Formula 1: Pirelli Gran Premio d’Italia 2026, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza Italy
12:30 p.m.
FS1 — Indy NXT Series: Grand Prix of Monterey – Race 2, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
2:30 p.m.
FOX — NTT IndyCar Series: INDYCAR Grand Prix of Monterey, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif.
5 p.m.
USA — Nascar Cup Series: Cook Out Southern 500 – The Chase, Darlington Raceway, Darlington, S.C.
COLLEGE FIELD HOCKEY
12:30 p.m.
ACCN — Princeton at North Carolina
2 p.m.
ACCN — Northwestern at Boston College
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Noon
ESPN2 — Texas Southern at Prairie View A&M
3 p.m.
ESPN — SC State at Florida A&M
4 p.m.
NBC — Washington St. at Washington
NFLN — Albany St. (Ga.) vs. Johnson C. Smith, Canton, Ohio
PEACOCK — Washington St. at Washington
7:30 p.m.
ABC — Louisville vs. Mississippi, Nashville, Tenn.
NBC — Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame, Green Bay, Wis.
PEACOCK — Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame, Green Bay, Wis.
COLLEGE SOCCER (MEN’S)
3:30 p.m.
ACCN — Michigan at Notre Dame
COLLEGE SOCCER (WOMEN’S)
4 p.m.
ESPNU — Stanford at Santa Clara
COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN’S)
Noon
ABC — Louisville at Texas
3 p.m.
ESPN2 — Indiana at Tennessee
7 p.m.
FOX — Kentucky vs. Penn St., Chicago
9 p.m.
FOX — Missouri vs. Nebraska, Chicago
CYCLING
8:30 a.m.
NBCSN — UCI: 2026 Vuelta a España, Stage 15
GOLF
3 a.m.
GOLF — 2026 Walker Cup: Team U.S. vs. Team GB&I, From Lahinch Golf Club in Lahinch, Clare, Ireland
8:30 a.m.
GOLF — 2026 Walker Cup: Team U.S. vs. Team GB&I, From Lahinch Golf Club in Lahinch, Clare, Ireland
3 p.m.
GOLF — DP World Tour: Omega European Masters, Final Round, Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland (taped)
MLB BASEBALL
1 p.m.
NBC — Atlanta at Philadelphia (1:10 p.m.)
PEACOCK — Atlanta at Philadelphia (1:10 p.m.)
4 p.m.
MLBN — TBA
6 p.m.
NBCSN — Minnesota at Chicago White Sox (6:20 p.m.)
PEACOCK — Minnesota at Chicago White Sox (6:20 p.m.)
SOCCER (MEN’S)
9 a.m.
USA — English Premier League: TBA
11:30 a.m.
USA — English Premier League: Chelsea at Arsenal
SOCCER (WOMEN’S)
2 p.m.
CBS — NWSL: NJ/NY Gotham at Denver
4 p.m.
CBS — NWSL: Washington at Portland
9 p.m.
ESPN2 — NWSL: San Diego at Seattle
TENNIS
11 a.m.
ESPN — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open, Round of 16, New York
3 p.m.
ABC — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open, Round of 16, New York
7 p.m.
ESPN — ATP/WTA: U.S. Open, Round of 16, New York
About The Author
